The Ocean needs you: Let's save Paul Watson!
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Petition
Emmanuel Macron, we call on you to act now to guarantee the safety of Paul Watson by granting him French nationality and the political asylum he has requested.
Why is this important?
For months, Emmanuel Macron has publicly expressed his support for Paul Watson, the great defender of our ocean and all the life that calls our ocean home. Throughout this month, Macron stood up to Watson's extradition to Japan, where he would face criminal charges for his fierce fight against whaling.
Today, with Paul Watson imprisoned and facing a life in prison, Macron’s words are no longer enough. It is time to act. France has the power to defend this environmental defender - by giving French nationality and political asylum to Watson, who dedicated his life to protecting our planet. [1]
As the lawyer William Bourdon pointed out: "The French Republic can, at any time, grant asylum to this great fighter for freedom. It can, and it must." [2] Political asylum would serve as a shield against any attempts by Japan to punish Watson in prison.
By accepting this asylum request, Emmanuel Macron would assert a clear position: that France, and therefore Europe, is a land that defends those who fight for environmental protection and human rights. Paul Watson deserves our support and protection.
Sign this petition to ask President Macron to grant political asylum to Paul Watson, now!
Photo credits: Sea Shepherd France