Japanese arrest warrant for sea-life conservationist still valid after Interpol dismissal: Tokyo

Paul Watson said Interpol 'has officially and permanently dismissed the Red Notice'

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan said Wednesday that its arrest warrant for sea-life conservationist charity founder Paul Watson remains valid, despite one that was dismissed by Interpol the previous day.

Although Watson is no longer on the international wanted list, "which is unacceptable," a Japanese arrest warrant is "still effective as of today," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters in Tokyo.

Tokyo continues to ask "relevant countries and others" for Watson's "extradition and detention," he added.

Japan issued an international arrest warrant for Watson in 2012 for injuring a Japanese crew member and causing damage to a vessel during a protest against a Japanese whaling ship in 2010.

Watson said Tuesday that Interpol "has officially and permanently dismissed the Red Notice" against him.

"The charges against me were politically motivated. This Interpol case is dismissed," he said.

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