After his release, he told AFP that his time in prison had drawn attention to Japan’s “illegal” whaling industry and was a “continuation” of his campaign.
Whaling and the consumption of whale meat have been heavily criticized by conservation groups, but Japanese officials say it is part of the country’s culture and way of life.
Denmark’s Ministry of Justice confirmed that it would not honor the Japanese extradition request, basing its decision on the “nature of the circumstances” and the fact that the incident took place 14 years ago.
His lawyer, Julie Stage, told the BBC that Mr Watson was “obviously relieved” and was “looking forward to being reunited with his wife and children”.
Since Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, the decision to extradite him was made in Copenhagen. Although Japan and Denmark have not concluded an extradition treaty, the Tokyo government has appealed to Denmark to extradite him.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the “primary importance” was to ensure that Watson’s time in custody in Greenland would count against any possible jail time he may later face in Japan.
He added that after correspondence with the Japanese authorities, the ministry concluded that “it cannot be assumed with the necessary certainty that this will be the case.”
