Paul Watson becomes an honorary citizen of the City of Paris. This Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the environmental activist, founder of the NGO Sea Shepherd, and fervent defender of whales, received the honorary citizenship of the City of Paris.
Through this symbolic gesture, Paris City Hall " wishes to salute his courage and commitment to environmental protection ". As the City of Paris points out, " the awarding of honorary citizenship is a political act with a strong symbolic dimension. It bears witness to Paris' commitment to the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. With this honorary distinction, the French capital offers them a symbolic refuge ".
Paul Watson has been detained in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, since July 21, 2024. Accused by Japan of breaking into a Japanese whaler in the Antarctic Ocean in 2010, the environmental activist now faces extraction. On November 13, the Greenlandic courts once again ruled in favor of keeping the whale defender in detention in Greenland. The 73-year-old American-Canadian activist, who has applied for French nationality, will remain behind bars until December 4, 2024.
Through this honorary citizenship awarded to Paul Watson, Paris affirms its " attachment to the universal values of freedom and justice ", and sends " a strong signal to the international community ", while recalling " the importance of protecting the oceans, a crucial issue for the future of the planet ".
For over 20 years, the City of Paris has awarded honorary citizenship to " people committed to defending fundamental freedoms around the world ". Find here the list of people to whom the City of Paris has awarded the title of honorary citizen.
Official website
www.paris.fr
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