The founder of the marine conservation group Sea Shepherd, Paul Watson, has applied for political asylum in France as he faces a potential 15-year prison sentence in Japan. Watson is accused of ordering attacks on a Japanese whaling vessel, which he claims obstructed its official duties.
Currently in custody in Greenland, Watson's detention has been extended until November 13 while Danish authorities deliberate on an extradition request from Japan. His arrest has sparked protests in France and Belgium, with calls for his release gaining traction among environmental advocates and celebrities.
Watson, a 73-year-old Canadian-American, has a long history in marine conservation, having previously led Greenpeace before founding Sea Shepherd in 1977. His organization is known for aggressive tactics aimed at protecting marine life, particularly whales and dolphins.
Supporters argue that his arrest is part of a broader effort to obscure Japan's controversial whaling practices, which the government defends as sustainable and scientifically justified. Watson's plea for asylum has drawn attention to the ongoing debates over whaling and marine conservation efforts worldwide.