Date: Tue, 29 Apr, 1997
Paul Watson Update
As expected, the Norwegian government filed the extradition paperwork in the allotted time frame of 20 days. As the Norwegian newspapers predicted, additional charges were filed against Paul Watson to insure that a quick release was not possible.
The additional charges filed by the Norwegian government are:
- 1. "...that the Whales Forever has navigated in such a manner that another ship has been damaged or has been endangered;" (This refers to the incident where the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel the Andenes rammed the SSCS unarmed conservation yacht Whales Forever as documented by the independent journalists onboard. Paul is being held responsible for the actions of the Norwegian government because they have embarrassed themselves terribly due to their failure to take Paul into custody when they confronted his ship in international waters off their coast.)
- 2. "...violation of the regulations regarding the entry to Norwegian territory in peacetime of alien and non-military ships;" (Whales Forever never entered Norwegian waters.)
- 3. "...violation of the regulations regarding distress-signals and other emergency-signals." (Obviously, the Norwegians do not consider being depth-charged, shot at and rammed in frigid north sea waters as distressful situations.)
The hearing will take place at the Haarlem Court on 26 May 1996 at 15:30 hrs.
The public is welcome to attend.
Situation Update:
Paul is still being held in Lelystad Penitentiary confined to his cell for 22 hours a day. Despite this, his spirits remain relatively high as he views this as a critical time to focus attention on Norway's continued illegal whaling activities.
Pressure must be kept on the Dutch authorities to release Paul. Paul will never get a fair trial in Norway and we fear for his safety!
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
P.O. Box 628
Venice, CA. 90294
USA
Tel: 310-301-7325
Fax: 310-574-3161
http://www.seashepherd.org/