sign now to stand with Paul Watson and our oceans
the Ocean’s protector belongs on the deck of a ship, with the wind in his hair and steering towards ocean crime scenes. Not behind prison bars.
Paul Watson has spent over 40 years navigating the world’s oceans, defending whales, dolphins, and all marine life from those who exploit and destroy. He’s been a beacon of hope for our planet, tirelessly fighting to protect marine life for future generations.
Yet now, he sits in jail, separated from his family, awaiting a decision that could see him extradited to Japan to serve a 15-years sentence—all to satisfy the interests of whaler hunters over the health of our planet.
It doesn’t have to end this way. France holds the key to his freedom. By granting him political asylum, President Macron can ensure that Paul Watson returns to the fight for our oceans instead of spending the rest of his life in prison. [1] Macron has expressed support for Watson before—now is the time to act on those words.
Rafa, let’s stand with Paul Watson, the defender of our seas, and demand his release.
Every European voice counts—join us and sign the petition now!
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For the Seas,
Taïme (Barcelona), Virginia (Madrid) and the whole WeMove Europe team |
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References: |
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Here’s the email we sent a few days ago: |
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Hello Rafa, In a couple of days, the government of Greenland will decide whether to extradite Paul Watson, the whale defender, to Japan. There, he’d face a prison sentence of 15 years. [1] His crime? A lifetime of fighting for the oceans.
However, someone in Europe has the power to prevent this wrong. Watson has requested political asylum in France, as this would keep him out of prison and free to keep protecting our planet. [2]
French President Macron has publicly expressed his support for Paul Watson for months, firmly opposing Watson facing criminal charges. We now need Macron’s words to be matched by actions.
As lawyer William Bourdon says: "France can, at any time, grant asylum to this great fighter for freedom. It can, and it must". [3] We, as people committed to safeguarding the oceans, have the duty and the power to support Captain Paul Watson. Let’s make it clear that Europeans will always be on the side of those who fight for our planet. We know pressure not only in France but from all over Europe can push the French President to do what’s right - your voice could make all the difference.
Sign now to stand with Paul Watson and our oceans. |
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Paul Watson has spent over 40 years protecting marine wildlife. He dedicated his life to raising awareness of the vital importance of the ocean, and his motto: “If the ocean dies, we die” reflects his life work.
Thanks to him, we now know how important whales are for the health of our planet, and his efforts are the main reason why they are protected and cherished all around the world.
Rafa, the WeMove community has also been striving for years to follow Paul Watson’s example by leading inspiring, impactful campaigns for the health of our oceans. Our Stop Ecocide campaign secured EU rules to hold those who harm the environment accountable. [4] Our campaign to ban deep sea mining brings us closer than ever to safeguarding the seabed from unsustainable exploitation. [5]
So this time too we can win and free our Captain. Let’s make sure he won’t have to spend the rest of his life in prison for protecting our ocean.
You too can stand up now and say out loud: |
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For the Seas,
Taïme (Barcelona), Lesly (Marseille), Virginia (Madrid) and the entire WeMove Europe team. |
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References: [1] https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/groenland-arrete-en-juillet-le-militant-ecologiste-paul-watson-maintenu-en-detention-jusquau-13-novembre-23-10-2024-5UAR5WKLA5FWBJNAJGODJF45TM.php [2] https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2024/10/23/l-activiste-paul-watson-defenseur-des-baleines-maintenu-en-detention-au-groenland-jusqu-a-la-mi-novembre_6358704_3244.html [4] WeMove Europe: Ecocide Law [5] WeMove Europe: Deep Sea Mining |
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WeMove Europe SCE mbH | Grimmstr. 10 Berlin |
