Interpol drops red notice on anti-whaling champion Paul Watson.
Interpol Removes Red Notice for Whale‑Defender Paul Watson
Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) has deleted the red wanted notice that sought the arrest of anti‑whaling activist Paul Watson, a decision that arrived after a series of legal actions spanning Greenland, Denmark and France.
Background: The 2010 Clash on the Sea
- In 2010, Watson was detaining a Japanese whaling vessel off the coast of Japan.
- Japanese authorities issued a 2012 extradition warrant, blaming Watson for damage to the ship and injury to a whaler.
- Watson was arrested in Greenland in July 2024, following a request from Japan.
- Denmark refused to extradite him, citing diplomatic concerns and the high‑profile nature of the case.
- He was released in December 2024 and returned to France, where his children attend school.
Interpol’s Decision: “Disproportionate” and “Political” Elements
The CCF concluded that the red notice did not meet Interpol’s standards, citing several factors:
- Disproportionate Charges – The allegations were considered unfair given Watson’s indirect involvement, which many witnesses disputed.
- Time Lapse – The alleged facts dated back more than a decade.
- Danish Extradition Refusal – Denmark declined to forward Watson, undermining the extradition request.
- Other Countries’ Non‑Action – Numerous nations declined to act on Japan’s arrest or extradition requests.
- Political Motives – The CCF suggested that the case carried a symbolic and strategic weight that went beyond mere criminal interest.
Interpol’s Comments on the Outcome
An Interpol spokesperson confirmed that the CCF’s removal of the red notice was “a decision based on Interpol’s rules regarding the processing of data.” The spokesperson emphasized that the removal was not a judgment on the case’s merits, but a compliance measure aligned with the organization’s constitution.
Implications for International Enforcement
Watson’s case highlights the complex interplay between environmental activism, diplomatic relations, and law enforcement. The Interpol decision underscores that international bodies must balance political influence with legal standards when processing wide‑ranging requests.
