It's a new twist in the case of the world's greatest whale defender and founder of the Sea Shepherd NGO. While he has been threatened with extradition to Japan for several months, Paul Watson has received a highly symbolic distinction. This is further proof of the strong international support he enjoys. The decision was made by the City of Paris, highlighting the importance of the battles fought for the planet.
A Symbolic Support
« It has been more than 120 days since Paul Watson has been detained, soon to be 74 years old. He is calling for our help. » These were the words with which the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo announced on Tuesday that she would bestow the title of honorary citizen of the city of Paris on Paul Watson. A way to p.our leader reaffirms support for the cause championed by the ecologist, after personally writing to President Emmanuel Macron to request his release.
Ce matin, sur proposition de la Maire de Paris, @Anne_Hidalgo, le #ConseildeParis a officiellement accordé la Citoyenneté d’honneur de la Ville de Paris à #PaulWatson.
— Jean-Luc Romero-Michel (@JeanLucRomero) November 19, 2024
C’est avec grand honneur que j’ai porté cette délibération pour dire encore une fois le soutien de la Ville de… pic.twitter.com/9wYcqWsdIM
A decision widely recognized and praised by other members of the City Council, regardless of their political affiliation. Pierre-Yves Bournazel, co-president of the centrist group Union Capitale, even went further, asking what French nationality and political asylum, which the activist recently requested in a letter to our head of state, should be granted to him. Some, however, preferred to take a step back, reminding us that Paul Watson has indeed been targeted by an Interpol warrant and has a history of some violent actions.
A situation far from over
As a reminder, Paul Watson, 73 years old, has been held in Greenland for many weeks, following injuries inflicted on a husband.
n Japanese in 2012, as part of a Sea Shepherd action against whale hunters. And while some see it as an unfounded accusation, others, like the Japanese government, hope to not stop there and uncover the truth behind this entire affair by putting the ecologist on trial.Paris vient de décerner sa citoyenneté d'honneur à Paul Watson, dans la continuité du vœu que nous portions au précédent Conseil.
— Raphaelle Primet (@raphaelleprimet) November 19, 2024
Un hommage à son combat inlassable pour la défense des océans et de la biodiversité.
Il doit désormais être libéré sur le champ.#ConseildeParis pic.twitter.com/bBdb87SHlI
For now, however, the detention of the activist is expected to be extended at least until December 5, 2024, as announced a few days ago by the Danish government. He has been incarcerated since July 21 while waiting for a trial that will determine whether or not he will face extradition to the Land of the Rising Sun. If the decision is made to send him there, he could face up to 15 years in prison. The entire activist community is holding its breath as they await a decision. In the meantime, Paul Watson continues to carry on his mission from his cell, “which has become [his] ship.”
