PARIS — Paul Watson, the founder of Sea Shepherd, recognized for his relentless efforts against Japanese whaling practices, has sought political asylum from France’s president following his arrest in Greenland in July. This information was relayed by Sea Shepherd France on Wednesday.

Watson is currently facing potential extradition to Japan, where he may face a prison term of up to 15 years. He was detained in response to a request from Japan to Interpol due to his aggressive tactics intended to disrupt whaling operations in the Antarctic region.

Sea Shepherd France announced that a letter from Watson was recently delivered to President Emmanuel Macron, who has previously voiced support for Watson and highlighted the significance of the case for environmental protection and human rights. No immediate statement has been made by Macron’s office regarding this matter.

According to Lamya Essemlali, president of Sea Shepherd France, Watson communicated his request while in prison, which was transmitted to the president through his advisors. “Paul has a deep connection to France, which also possesses the second-largest marine territory worldwide, making it crucial for the cause of ocean conservation. He is currently residing in France along with his family,” she mentioned.

Essemlali described Watson as feeling “down” and “isolated,” but noted his unwavering resilience during this challenging time. Jean Tamalet, a lawyer associated with the organization, pointed out that Watson’s request for political asylum is primarily symbolic, aimed at facilitating his release.

Critics of Watson’s arrest argue that it stems from longstanding political motivations linked to Japan’s whaling activities, which go against the international ban established by a treaty in 1986. Japan defends its whaling practices as part of its cultural heritage.

For many years, Watson has been at the forefront of notable confrontations with whaling vessels in the Southern Ocean. His arrest took place when his ship docked in Nuuk, Greenland, to refuel while en route to intervene against a Japanese whaling ship. Danish authorities are currently assessing the request for his extradition from Japan.

It is worth noting that over ten years ago, Japan issued a Red Notice through Interpol regarding Watson. Unlike an international arrest warrant, a Red Notice is essentially a request for cooperation among member states to locate and detain individuals pending extradition. Tamalet remarked that in the past, international authorities largely ignored such notices, allowing Watson to move freely, but that situation has evidently shifted.