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On Monday, May 14th of 2012, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Costa Rica issued an official communique on the matter of Paul Watson, who was arrested in Germany on Sunday, May 13th. On that same day, The Costa Rica Star published a news article that offered some background on the actions of Mr. Watson, who remains in custody in Germany.
The official communication from the Ministry can be found on its website. It has been filed as 2255 CR detención Alemania Paul Watson. The following is an idiomatic translation:
When asked earlier today about the May 13th arrest of Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Consevation Society in Germany, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Roverssi reiterated Costa Rica’s commitment to fight “shark finning.”
The Vice Chancellor (Roverssi) underscored Costa Rica’s leadership in her efforts to eradicate shark finning, as well as in matters related to fishing and the sustainable use of aquatic natural resources.
“Costa Rica, along with other countries in the region, has undertaken significant administrative, judicial and political efforts to eradicate that repugnant practice (of shark finning), and will continue to assume a strong position of condemning such violent attacks against nature”, assured the Vice Chancellor.
Regarding the detention of Mr. Watson, the Vice Minister preferred to not comment on the matter since it is a proceeding that belongs to judicial branch, and the separation of powers must be respected at all times. He pointed out that the matter took place back in 2002, and thus the present administration -which assumed office in 2010- does not have to take a position on a matter that belongs in the courts.
The Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that Mr. Watson had his day in German court on Monday, and he was ordered to remain in custody. Mr. Watson’s attorney stated that his client was shocked. According to the DW, Mr. Watson is enjoying the assistance of two members of the European Parliament while he is in jail.
In the past, Mr. Watson has faced prosecution in his native Canada and Norway. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Watson was placed on an Interpol wanted list in 2010.
