15°c Overcast
21°c Cloudy with showers
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Japanese fleet will be hunted despite warrant: Watson
BERLIN -- Paul Watson, the fugitive founder of environmental group Sea Shepherd, vowed Tuesday to continue disrupting Japan's whaling fleet when it heads for the southern oceans this winter, despite authorities in at least three countries seeking his arrest.
The 61-year-old Canadian was detained in Germany in May on a Costa Rican extradition warrant that accused him of endangering the crew of a fishing vessel in 2002.
About 10 days ago Watson, who sees himself as an advocate for whales and other marine animals, skipped bail after learning Japan was also seeking his extradition from Germany.
"I can serve my clients better at sea than in a Japanese prison cell and I intend to do just that," he said in a statement issued by his U.S.-based group, which didn't disclose his current location. "In December, our ships will sail forth for the ninth campaign to oppose the outlaw Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary."
The Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary is a vast conservation area around Antarctica in which commercial whaling operations are banned.
Watson said he believed the Japanese warrant relates to the collision of a Japanese whaling support ship and a Sea Shepherd boat in January 2010. Sea Shepherd has accused the Japanese ship of deliberately ramming its futuristic, rocket-shaped boat, the Ady Gil, and eventually causing it to sink. The whalers denied it.
Watson said he expects Japanese authorities "to exploit all avenues to find a way to stop me.
"I have, however, eluded them once again and I will continue to try and keep a step ahead of them, no matter what risks and costs have to be made."
German authorities issued a warrant for Watson's arrest after he failed to report to police, as required under his bail conditions which also included a US$320,000 bond.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 1, 2012 0
More Latest News
- Back to Top
- Return to Latest News
More Latest News
(1 of 50 articles for this week)
Suspected Maoist rebels attack convoy carrying members of India's ruling party, killing 28
05/25/2013 11:13 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Latest News
- Traffic backed up on Trans-Canada near Richer
- Police searching for suspect who woke sleeping teen
- MTS becomes takeover target
- Overnight stabbings probed
- Teachers vote to donate $1.5M to human rights museum
- Infamous, chronic pedophile declines to seek parole
- Police hunt for gas station robber
- Doctor convicted after molesting teen at HSC
- Paying it forward in North End
- Evidence ignored in dangerous driving acquital, appeal court told
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Chiropractor guilty of sexually assaulting, beating ex-girlfriend
- Crash claims two young women, RCMP say
- 2 dead in crash near Portage la Prairie
- Grocer Joe Cantor dies at 88
- Winnipeg woman camps out in front of legislature to protest child welfare
- Rainfall warning issued for southern Manitoba
- Two men now facing first-degree murder charges in Tim Bosma test drive death
- Flood money paid for CEO's romantic trip
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Driver crashes into tree near golf course
- Arrests made after raids on local head shops
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- News of city's $17-million winner leaks out on FB
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- No threat from bag found at Winnipeg Square
- Chiropractor guilty of sexually assaulting, beating ex-girlfriend
- Grocer Joe Cantor dies at 88
- Driver horrified by scene in rearview mirror after load hits I-5 bridge, road falls into river
- Youth faces murder charge in Pauingassi First Nation death
- Islamic life showcased
- Charges laid against Sharon Home over resident's death
- Unjust justice: Still no aboriginal court in Manitoba
- PC white grape juice recalled nationally over undeclared sulphites
- Demonstrators rally against Monsanto in global anti-GMO protest
- Local anti-Monsanto protesters critical of 'Franken-food'
- New owner for lumber stores
- Chiropractor guilty of sexually assaulting, beating ex-girlfriend
- Grocer Joe Cantor dies at 88
- MTS to sell Allstream to Egyptian investment group, focus on Manitoba market
- Famous city grocer loved job, customers
- Prominent Canadians back petition to rename Victoria Day to honour aboriginals
- First Nation celebrates groundbreaking on city's first urban reserve
- Skin picking gets status as distinct disorder, should help sufferers access help
- Order of Manitoba recipients announced
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- New owner for lumber stores
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Chiropractor guilty of sexually assaulting, beating ex-girlfriend
- Grocer Joe Cantor dies at 88
- 'Revenge of the redheads': Ginger-haired Montrealers gather in celebration
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- MTS to sell Allstream to Egyptian investment group, focus on Manitoba market
- Steen invests $1M in family entertainment centre
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.