Pressure builds for PM to help free Captain Paul Watson

The Prime Minister has been implored to use diplomatic channels in any way possible to help free Captain Paul Watson, in a letter signed by the Greens’ entire federal party room. 

Captain Paul Watson was arrested in Greenland on 21 July 2024 on an extradition request from Japan. The basis of the extradition relates to events in 2010 when Captain Paul Watson was in the Southern Ocean, protecting whales from being slaughtered by the Japanese.  

At the time of the 2010 events the Australian Government proved to be a fierce ally for cetaceans through the International Whaling Commission and other diplomatic forums, and successfully instituted proceedings against Japan in the International Court of Justice. This resulted in Japan being ordered to stop whaling in the Southern Ocean and set the scene for Japan’s withdrawal from whaling in Antarctica in 2018.

Pressure is now building for the Australian Government to continue its advocacy for the protection of whales, and use its influence to secure the release of Captain Paul Watson.

Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: 

“Across the globe calls for the release of Captain Paul Watson grow louder – including from French President Emmanuel Macron – yet here in Australia our government remains notably silent. 

“Australia fought for whales in 2010 in the International Court of Justice and we fight for whales today by ensuring their full protection in Australian waters – but more must now be done to uphold our legacy on the world stage.

“Captain Paul Watson is an ocean conservationist who has saved hundreds of whales, calling for his freedom should be uncontroversial. 

“The pressure is on. The Greens implore the Prime Minister to use diplomatic channels in any way possible to help free Captain Paul Watson.”