The progressive metal band’s singer and rhythm guitarist, Joseph Duplantier, took part in the peaceful protest in front of the parliament in Copenhagen, Denmark, demanding that Watson not be extradited to Japan on an international arrest warrant dating back to 2010.
Duplantier additionally wrote a letter to Peter Hummelgaard, Denmark’s Justice Minister, requesting a meeting to discuss the charges and extradition.
“I speak on behalf of concerned citizens all around the world when I say that his arrest is not acceptable. Paul Watson is one of the few people on this earth that give hope in humanity by conducting direct actions based on logic and compassion, reminding us that we ARE the Oceans, the water that binds us all. People feel powerless with the extinction of whales and other species and don’t know what to do to help and end illegal whaling. Paul Watson gives us a voice. He is our only hope. Hope that somebody is keeping a watchful eye where international moratoriums aren’t respected and illegal fishing is continuing to destroy precious marine wildlife. Paul Watson and his crew are an example of courage, dedication and integrity. He is inspiring an entire generation.
Although this is just one of the four charges, this shows how insignificant the case is and how irrelevant Japan’s demand is. Regardless of the outcome on this matter, Paul Watson will undoubtedly go down in history as a Hero that dedicated his life to making sure we have a future. In his own words ‘IF THE OCEANS DIE, WE DIE’. What kind of society are we if we let the only person that has the courage to make a difference go to jail for what could be the rest of his life?
Denmark is respected and praised all over the world for its impeccable juridical system and its peaceful intelligent society. I am myself an admirer of your elegant and inspiring country. I am asking you to live up to these standards of excellence and justice and do the right thing. The world is watching you. Please do the right thing!”
Goijira have throughout their career been involved in environmental activism and often brought awareness to such issues through songs such as “Global Warming”, Toxic Garbage Island” and “Amazonia.”
Proceeds from “Amazonia” go directly to the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (APIB) which advocates for the environmental and cultural rights of indigenous tribes in the Amazon who have been victims of deforestation, land loss, forced labor, violence, and harassment.
This article’s cover photo was shot by Theresa Steiner and used with her permission. Check out more of her photography on her Instagram page.
