Anti-whaling activist detained in Greenland requests French citizenship after asylum bid dismissed

[ad_1]

PARIS (AP) — Environmental activist Paul Watson, who is detained in Greenland and facing possible extradition to Japan, has formally requested French citizenship after France’s Foreign Minister said his earlier bid for political asylum could not be processed because he is not on French soil.

Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd and a prominent anti-whaling advocate, was detained in Nuuk, Greenland, in July as he sought to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. Japan, which has long sought Watson’s extradition, accuses him of obstructing commercial whaling activities and injuring crew members during a confrontation in Antarctic waters in 2010.

His recent appeal for French citizenship, announced by his lawyer Jean Tamalet Thursday, reflects a strategic shift following comments by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s that asylum requests must be filed within France.

Tamalet emphasized Watson’s significant contributions to marine conservation, aligning with France’s environmental priorities, and argued that his work merits “exceptional services” consideration under French naturalization protocols.

The French government is now examining Watson’s citizenship application, while Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher reiterated France’s call for his release from custody. Watson expressed his gratitude to President Emmanuel Macron.

[ad_1]

Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=671f72278c214966b1d3397fde5bac05&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fpaul-watson-france-citizenship-greenland-2a8153f6d2a35cd1abd54eda1baa98db&c=6565942921620107615&mkt=en-us Author : Publish date : 2024-10-24 21:46:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source .

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31

Anti-whaling activist detained in Greenland requests French citizenship after asylum bid dismissed

Sikh separatist claims Indian ‘spy network’ operates in US and Canada

OPINION: Alaska’s path north to a brighter future

OPINION: Alaska's path north to a brighter future

Colombia Clinches Victory Over Chile in Thrilling Copa America Showdown!

Colombia Steps Up: A New Agreement to Welcome Deported Migrants After Trump Tariff Tensions

American Airlines Expands Chicago-Costa Rica Flights Just in Time for High Season!

Caribbean Leaders Stand Firm Against Trafficking Accusations Amid U.S. Criticism of Cuba’s Medical Diplomacy

Uncertainty Looms for Dominica Cruises Following Hurricane Maria’s Devastation

Exciting Nominations Ahead: Key Updates from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee!

Thrilling Stalemate: Argentina and Ecuador Battle to a 1-1 Draw!

Families Fight Back: El Salvador’s Controversial Detention of Trump Deportees

French Guiana Set to Strengthen Ties with South America!

Exploring the Consequences of the US Withdrawal from NATO on Greenland’s Strategic Access

Categories

Archives