US Anti-Whaling Terrorist Sentenced to Imprisonment in Norway

Leader of the U.S. based Sea Shepherd organisation, Paul Watson, and his fiance Lisa DiStefano will be spending 120 days in a Norwegian jail for their attempt to scuttle the combined fishing and whaling vessel “Nybræna” in the Lofoten Islands, at Christmas 1992. Watson’s appeal has now been dismissed by the Appeals Committee of the Norwegian Supreme Court. Watson is also under investigation for two other crimes committed in Norway. These investigations are soon to be concluded.

Watson’s organisation has claimed responsibility for the attempt to scuttle a second whaling vessel, the “Senet”. He was also skipper on board Sea Shepherd vessel the “Whales Forever” when it rammed a Norwegian Coast Guard vessel. Watson’s ship had entered the Norwegian 4 mile zone without permission. The “Whales Forever” had its bow crushed while the Coast Guard vessel suffered minor damage to its port side. Video film of the event taken from the Coast Guard helicopter shows that the “Whales Forever” was responsible for the collision. (The media may order copies of this video from the Coast Guard. The High North Alliance will provide their address.) Watson is also being investigated for abuse of the “Mayday” signal in connection with the latter incident.

The Nordland County Public Prosecutor states that one will most likely postpone seeking extradition until a verdict has been arrived at in the next two cases. Norway and the USA have an extradition agreement.