France: Rally Organized by Anti-Whaling Groups

On October 2 (Wednesday), a rally was held in front of facilities related to Japanese companies located in northern France at the call of the anti-whaling organization Sea Shepherd (SS) to demand the release of Paul Watson, former SS president, who was detained in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. Protests against Japan may escalate in the future.
While making efforts to obtain the latest information through reports and other sources, please prioritize your safety by avoiding areas where demonstrations and rallies are taking place. If you encounter a demonstration or rally, promptly leave the area.

On July 21, 2024 (Sunday), the police in Greenland announced that they had detained Paul Watson, former SS president, based on an international warrant issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) at Japan’s request when he entered Greenland by ship. In response to this incident, rallies demanding the release of the former president have been held in various cities in France, organized by Sea Shepherd (SS) France and its branches. Furthermore, on October 2 (Wednesday), a protest rally was held in front of the Danish embassy in Paris, as well as similar gatherings in front of facilities related to Japanese companies in northern France. These rallies were conducted peacefully, and no personal or property damage has been reported. However, protests against Japan may expand in the future.
Various demonstrations and rallies are planned in France, particularly over the weekends, and those that have been authorized are often conducted peacefully. However, to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, please make efforts to obtain the latest information through reports and avoid areas where gatherings are taking place. If you find yourself in the vicinity of a demonstration, prioritize your safety by promptly leaving the area.