Anti-whaling Activist Wanted By Japan To Remain Held In Greenland

COPENHAGEN, Sept 5 (Bernama-dpa) -- Canadian-US environmentalist and anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson is to remain in custody in Greenland for a further four weeks as legal wrangling over his deportation to Japan continues, a court sitting in Nuuk ruled on Wednesday, reported German news agency (dpa).

Watson, 73, is to remain in prison until Oct 2 to ensure that he does not leave Greenland until the deportation issue has been resolved, police in the autonomous Danish territory said. Watson has lodged an appeal with a higher court.

One of the world's best known anti-whaling activists, Watson's confrontational methods have divided conservationists. Some see him as a hero, while others reject his radical approach. He has drawn anger from various whaling nations, including Japan in particular.

The Japanese authorities issued an international arrest warrant following an incident involving a Japanese whaler in the Antarctic in 2010. This led to his arrest in Nuuk in July after he entered port aboard his ship the John Paul DeJoria.

He is accused by the Japanese of damaging the whaling vessel and disrupting its work. Watson rejects the allegations.

Originally a member of Greenpeace, Watson founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

According to his current organisation, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, he could face 15 years in prison if deported to Japan. The organisation has called for pressure to be applied to Greenland and Denmark on his behalf.

The final decision will be taken by the Danish authorities in Copenhagen. It is not clear when this will occur.

-- BERNAMA-dpa