27 Jun 2010

Watson unfazed by Interpol

11:44 am on 27 June 2010

The head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society says he is not bothered by Interpol monitoring his movements.

Paul Watson has been placed on an international watch list at Japan's request, following evidence given at the trial of another anti-whaling campaigner, Pete Bethune of New Zealand.

Interpol has issued a 'blue notice' asking international police to pass on information about Mr Watson's whereabouts.

But Mr Watson says anyone could get that information by following him on Facebook.

Mr Watson says he's done nothing illegal and he's not intimidated. He also says no one has brought any charges against him.

He doubts that Interpol will take his case seriously.

The Institute of Cetacean Research says Mr Watson actively encouraged his crew to commit criminal acts at sea.

The Institute believes that became clear at Mr Bethune's trial and it paved the way for the Interpol arrangement. It says Japan has to do all it can to rein in criminals.

A court in Tokyo is due to deliver its verdict on Mr Bethune on 7 July. He has pleaded to guilty to four of the five charges he faced.