Faroese police confirm no legal basis for extradition of whale activist Paul Watson from Greenland

The Faroese police and prosecution have confirmed that there is no legal basis to request the extradition of whale activist Paul Watson to the Faroe Islands, according to Justice Minister Bjarni Kárason Petersen. They have investigated the potential for such a request but concluded it is not feasible.

Watson is currently imprisoned in Greenland, awaiting a decision from Denmark on whether he will be extradited to Japan. Japan is pursuing legal action against Watson, stemming from two incidents in 2010 when his former organization, Sea Shepherd, attempted to interfere with illegal whaling operations by Japanese vessels in Antarctica.

The Faroese Justice Minister noted that Watson has disrupted whaling activities in the Faroe Islands multiple times and described him as a significant source of irritation for the local community. Petersen accused Watson of engaging in violence, sabotage, and vandalism, and stated that he has openly expressed willingness to break the law to further his cause. Consequently, the Faroese government considered the possibility of prosecuting him locally, but ultimately determined it was not possible.

Petersen emphasized that Watson should be held accountable for his actions globally, not just for those committed in the Faroe Islands. He expressed trust in the Danish justice ministry’s handling of the case.

Watson has been subject to a sailing ban within 12 nautical miles of the Faroe Islands since 2023, for which he received a fine. His history of non-compliance with local laws has made him unpopular in the region.

The international attention surrounding his arrest has garnered responses from prominent figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who has urged Denmark not to extradite Watson to Japan.