Interpol has withdrawn its red notice for Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, at the request of its Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF). The red notice, issued at Japan's request in 2010 following an encounter with a Japanese whaling ship, was deemed "disproportionate" by the CCF. Watson, 74, was arrested in Greenland in July 2024 based on the Japanese warrant but released in December after Denmark refused extradition. He has since returned to France.

Watson stated, "Finally I am free," after the decision. His lawyer, William Julie, cited the disproportionate nature of the charges, the passage of time, Denmark's refusal to extradite, and other countries' inaction on Japan's requests as reasons for the CCF's decision. While the red notice is removed, Sea Shepherd France president Lamya Essemlali noted that a Japanese arrest warrant remains, meaning Watson could still face arrest and prosecution in Japan.

Impact Statement: While the Interpol red notice removal is a significant development for Watson, the Japanese arrest warrant remains active, leaving his long-term freedom uncertain.