A Greenland court has extended the detention of prominent anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, 73, while Denmark reviews Japan’s extradition request. Watson, a Canadian-American, will remain in custody until October 2 as the legal review continues in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
Watson, the former leader of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was arrested on July 21 after his ship docked in Greenland. Japan is seeking his extradition over a 2010 incident involving a confrontation between his vessel and a Japanese whaling research ship, where Watson allegedly obstructed the crew by ordering explosives to be thrown. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted in Japan.
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, does not have an extradition treaty with Japan, complicating the legal process. The Danish justice ministry is currently considering Japan's request.
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