By Laura Ferreiro
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are calling for German authorities to stop the extradition of environmental activist Captain Paul Watson to Costa Rica, and have asked their fans to show their support. Watson is the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which works to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.
Watson, who was also one of the original founders of Greenpeace, was taken into custody in Frankfurt, Germany on Saturday for allegedly interfering with a Costa Rican shark fishing boat in Guatemalan waters.
The Chili Peppers issued a statement saying that they believe “the arrest of Captain Watson in Germany is in part due to the fact that he uncovered an illegal shark finning operations in Costa Rica.”
Watson was reportedly accused of violating ships traffic when he discovered an illegal shark-finning operation run by the Costa Rican Ship, Varadero. According to Sea Shepherd, they told Varadero’s crew to stop and head to port to be prosecuted. While escorting the Varadero back to port, the tables were turned and a Guatemalan gunboat was dispatched to intercept the Sea Shepherd crew and later arrested Watson.
Red Hot Chili Peppers have been long-time supporters of Sea Shepherd and are encouraging fans to help Captain Watson by supporting the organization’s legal defense and education fund. The LA rockers are also asking fans to learn more about Sea Shepherd by visiting their informational tables that will be set up at all of Chili Peppers’ North American tour dates this year in support of their recent album “I’m With You.”
The Guardian reports that Watson will be released on bail next week, and must stay in Germany while it’s decided whether he’ll be extradited to Costa Rica to stand trial.