Interpol issues notice for arrest of eco-warrior Paul Watson

Watson's Sea Shepherd organization denounced the move as part of a "politically motivated" campaign led by Japan to put an end to his efforts against whaling, Kazinform refers to Arabnews.com
Watson, a 61-year-old Canadian, was arrested in May in Frankfurt on a warrant from Costa Rica, where he is wanted on charges stemming from a high-seas confrontation over shark finning in 2002.
"Following confirmation from German authorities that Paul Watson had failed to satisfy the bail conditions established by the German courts and had fled the country, Costa Rican authorities renewed their request... to issue a Red Notice seeking his detention or arrest with a view to extradition," Interpol said in a statement posted on its website.
"Based on Mr Watson's failure to satisfy the bail conditions set by the German court, and the additional information provided by Costa Rica concerning the underlying charges, it was concluded that a Red Notice could be issued," it said.
Lyon-based Interpol does not have the power to issue international arrest warrants but can request member countries make arrests based on foreign warrants through a "Red Notice".
Watson was detained in Germany for a week in May before being released on bail after paying 250,000 euros ($310,000) and being ordered to appear before police twice a day. But he skipped bail on July 22 and fled the country.

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