Saturday May 26, 2012

Australian anti-whaling activists could face charges in Japan

Crime ( 73 )

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Three Australian men are being held by the Japanese harpoon fleet after sneaking aboard AFP

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Three Australian men are being held by the Japanese harpoon fleet after sneaking aboard Te Delta (L) from the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin approach the Japanese vessel Shonan Maru II for a closer look The Sea Shepherd ship, The Steve Irwin Three Australian men are being held by the Japanese harpoon fleet after sneaking aboard Te Delta (L) from the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin approach the Japanese vessel Shonan Maru II for a closer look The Sea Shepherd ship, The Steve Irwin

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73 Comments

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  • 2

    genji17

    make an example of them!! lock these idiots up for as long as you can.

  • 12

    Laguna

    That was clearly the whole point. That is why, unlike last year, they were unarmed, committed no acts of vandalism, and came in a small group. Now the ship will have to care for these three during their entire journey, the government will be burdened with what to do with them, and global attention will stay focused.

    Whether you support their actions or not, you must admit it's a brilliant strategy.

  • 7

    Ted Barrera

    Thumbs up if you think the Sea Shepherd and Japan's whaling group have hit a stalemate and you're sick and tired of hearing about them both.

  • 5

    my2sense

    Looks more like the Hell's Angels surfer dudes. Memba those loons in Point Break...

  • 2

    paulinusa

    "make an example of them!! lock these idiots up for as long as you can"

    . Unlike the last boarding incident it'll be difficult to invent some trumped up charges other than trespassing this time.

  • -8

    Tristan Abbott

    Rather than idiots, I see these men as heroes. They had the courage to stand up against what is quite simply a cruel, draconian and ecologically catastrophic practice when governments around the world remain silent. Those who choose not to question why it is left to activists to act in place of governments are, in my opinion, the idiots.

  • -2

    oldsanno

    Best thing to happen would be if they're brought back to Japan for trial. Any prison sentence they may get could be served in Australia. It saves Japan from having to care for these wackos and Australia would have to jail some of their heroes.

  • 1

    It"S ME

    Tristan.

    Are they truly heroes, if you feel that strong would you take their place? Or why weren't you there?

    If not ....

    Plenty of people on the net giving an opinion but wouldn't stand up themselves for what they proclaim are the right actions.

  • -1

    shires

    Hypocite.

  • 7

    billyshears

    Whether you support their actions or not, you must admit it's a brilliant strategy.

    Everything these people do is counteractive to their supposed cause. If you are anti-whaling, your goal must be to persuade the Japanese people themselves to stop the practice. This kind of stunt infuriates those who may have the power to bring about change as they see these actions as "Japan bashing" which in turn creates a stubbornness against change, including ordinary Japanese people who actually care very little for eating whale meat. And then there are many others around the world who think these self-styled adventurers and their connected TV show are merely doing this for their own gains.

  • 1

    ExportExpert

    Yup bring them back to Japan try them for piracy on the high seas give them to years each and serve them bowls of rice and mizo soup, then see who else wants to be a "hero" hahaha.

    These mugs knew what they were getting themselves into so now give it to them.

  • -7

    Hide Suzuki

    @billyshears I totally agree with you there. I used to be against whaling and I hate SS, especially Paul Watson more so I decided to eat whale meat whenever i can (so far I haven't had any opportunity though) just to piss off those guys.

    They seem to target Japan and Japanese whalers only when there are others, like Norwegian and Icelanders. But they don't care, they only mess with Japan. I wonder why ?

    I guess they need to respect other white cultures but they can't stand Asians not listening to whites ? Is that the reason ?

  • 7

    Hide Suzuki

    And those three guys should be treated and prosecuted under the Japanese law just like anybody else, no special treatment for better or worse.

  • -1

    OnlyAGaijin

    Maybe Aust can ask the French to organize a couple of visitors to go of the ship. They're good at stopping ships, e.g 'The Rainbow Warrior" in New Zealand!

  • 2

    smithinjapan

    “Not only are they facing that, but they risk being taken to Japan to be tried for trespassing, or for other charges,”

    There's nothing else they COULD charge them for that would not obviously be trumped up and give the J-government more negative publicity on the issue. They CAN of course charge them for trespassing, and the three no doubt knew that, but they face one of three difficult options: 1) keep them on for the entire whaling season (which means keep them captive for months, which would be more serious than usual for trespassing), 2) take them back to Japan now and fail in their mission to protect the whaling ships. 3) take them to an Australian port and risk being arrested for carrying weapons on the ship with militia.

    Hide Suzuki: "They seem to target Japan and Japanese whalers only when there are others, like Norwegian and Icelanders. But they don't care, they only mess with Japan. I wonder why ?"

    Quick question: where do Norway and Iceland conduct their whaling? Where is Japan conducting its whaling?

    "I guess they need to respect other white cultures but they can't stand Asians not listening to whites ? Is that the reason ?"

    I guess that's called reverse racism if you think that's honestly the reason, but try answering my question(s), first.

    "I used to be against whaling and I hate SS, especially Paul Watson more so I decided to eat whale meat whenever i can (so far I haven't had any opportunity though) just to piss off those guys."

    So you went 180 degrees on something you felt was morally wrong just to try and make people angry? and you think SS is bad??

    "And those three guys should be treated and prosecuted under the Japanese law just like anybody else, no special treatment for better or worse."

    I agree, but do you honestly believe they would be treated equally under Japanese law and given public sentiment and pressure on the issue? I think they SHOULD face trespassing charges, since they knowingly trespassed, but I don't see how it can be treated equally as this is quite a sticky situation, and I don't see how it will be done. Even transporting them back to Japan from the South Sea to face trial makes it unequal treatment. Anyway, we'll see what happens.

  • 3

    Hide Suzuki

    @Smith san, Yes, i went the other way (no, not sexually). I really didn't care about whale meat or whaling that much until I saw the TV show, whale wars then I hated it. The way they explain everything from their side, and all the Japanese whalers are described as this faceless people with no emotion.

    Even if they don't like it, they should get the whalers' side of stories as well. They are regular people, doing what they have been for decades to make ends meet.
    I'm sure most SS people (not Paul Watson, he is a douchbag) are good people doing what they believe in but I just don't like their extreme "the end justifies the means" attitides.

  • 1

    genji17

    I think they should be charged with more than trespassing. Go walk over to somebody while they are driving and get in their car to "protest how they drive"...youll be charged with more than trespassing. They should leave them on an ice float

  • -6

    smithinjapan

    genji17: "Go walk over to somebody while they are driving and get in their car to "protest how they drive""

    Wouldn't they just drive right past you? And how on earth would you get charged with trespassing for criticizing how they drive?

  • 1

    Darren Brannan

    Without publicity the game is over. Nevertheless, these guys believe in something and conducted themselves in a non-violent way. It is their lives and livelihoods on the line, so I can't hate them for their actions in what is a game for both sides.Neither side is being particularly honest or playing by any rules. Some of these guys are older than me, so for that I admire their guts. These guys are showing the same samurai/kamikaze spirit that Japan usually lauds, so fair play. Despite all Japan's pretenses about rebuilding Tohoku, the whalers left Shimonoseki and will return there. The meat will be sold at Karato ichiba ( I have seen it) so it is a propaganda war. Who dares wins.

  • 2

    Rolf Schlumpf

    David Bowie: We can beat them for ever and ever. We can be Heroes, just for one day... Definitely guys I want to have a drink (or two) with...

  • -1

    smithinjapan

    Hide Suzuki: "The way they explain everything from their side, and all the Japanese whalers are described as this faceless people with no emotion."

    Fair enough, but then the Japanese media is often guilty of the same thing, no? What's worse is that they talk about how it's for science, but then portray the international outrage and pressure on Japan to stop whaling as an 'attack on traditional culture' -- completely contradicting the claims to science. And what's more, they are subsidized, at least in part, by the government, meaning they get paid for the meat whether it sells or not -- so it's less 'making ends meet' then it is making a profit. The government has to force the massive unsold stocks onto kids school lunches to try and make up the balance.

    Anyway, if you changed your stance on the issue of whaling because your beliefs changed that's one thing, but changing it out of spite is another. I mean, SS are doing what they are doing because they believe in their cause, not because they're trying to spite the J-government or whalers.

    And also, did the question I posed about Norway and Iceland satisfy your own question about why they are not 'picked on' (as much)? They are, actually, pressured about and ridiculed for whaling, but a huge difference is that they are whaling in waters that their own nations reside in, and they are not doing it under the guise of science.

  • 0

    tmarie

    The issue of whaling isn't about race at all. It is about Japan whaling in waters that are not theirs and lying about what they are doing.

    I think these guys are great. Bringing unwanted attention from around the world to the issue. Charge them, jail them and follow the law by all means but well done in my eyes!

  • 2

    kwatt

    Such act of guys sneaking board the vessel always reminds me of the Japanese proverb "Tonde hini-hairu natu no mushi" .

  • 1

    Badge213

    Unwanted attention, unlikely, just "playing the game", they get arrested, tried, suspended sentence, deported, group disvows them, they turn on the group. We've seen it before. A month later it's under the rug. Next year, new group of blokes do the same thing, same posts here on JT, and the cycle repeats itself.

  • 1

    Parmen

    reported in the SMH

    These three Australians are heroes for the whales," Senator Brown said today. "And they've come from a forest protest background from trying to protect the biggest living entities on the land to trying to protect the biggest living creatures in the ocean." Advertisement: Story continues below Senator Brown said the trio are "terrific Australian citizens and they deserve a huge amount of support".

    for once i support a politician.

  • -1

    m6bob

    Stupid, stupid & stupid will be deckhands doing cleanup and toilet details for the next couple of months. Plus, they'll be fed leftovers - sashimi, sashimi & sashimi.

  • 2

    Ch1n4Sailor

    26 kilometers off Australias west coast

    Japan is heading down a road that they really don't want to go down, for their own good. Turn these people back over to the Australian Government, and let Australia prosecute them!

  • -2

    Cletus

    Japanese government hours later urged Australia to prevent such an incident happening again

    Here's an idea for the Japanese government, get your damn coast guard manned vessel out of australian waters. You were 26 km off the Australian coast that is 18 km inside our contiguous zone and only 174 km inside our eez. And you have the Gaul to issue us with demands. As an Australian citizen l have a simple message for Japan and its pro whaling supporters get out of our waters and better yet get back to your own country and conduct your disgusting slaughter. I have never really liked ss but after this and Japan's response l have gladly donated to the ss cause. Let's hope there is more of this action to stop Japan's filthy actions

  • 1

    SamuraiBlue

    They will face court and be tried of breaking and entering(motion of intent), trespassing and most likely obstruction of business(Gyoumubougai) given a suspended sentence of two years and fined 100 thousand yen then deported with traveling expenses invoiced to the Australian government.

    This escapade costs both governments more then it is worth.

  • -5

    smithinjapan

    SamuraiBlue: " The way they explain everything from their side, and all the Japanese whalers are described as this faceless people with no emotion."

    Why should the Australian government have to pay for travel expenses if the whalers take them from 100 km or so from the AUS coast to Japan and then ship them off? Sorry, but if I were the AUS government given such a bill I'd use it as toilet paper and send it back after, saying, "Next time don't take them".

  • -2

    BurakuminDes

    100 thousand yen then deported with traveling expenses invoiced to the Australian government.

    Nonsense they will be invoiced, if you understood anything about diplomacy. Also, it seems a mere fantasy of yours that they will be given 2 years (suspended). Bethune got the same and also had charges of violating the Firearms and Swords Control Law and damaging property against him. IMO this will be settled before the trio end up in Japan.

  • -1

    ObviousDemon

    Trespassed.....no doubt.

    Each step of this dance, Japan looks bad, as they appear not to see the irony of 'trespassing' in Australia's backyard, and then some.

    "Pro-Whaling" Posters, sponsored or not, want to quibble about 'exactly how many kilometres' they were from Australia's beach, and exactly which law should cover this, when all seem to agree that it was 'Kayaking Distance',......... rather than looking at "Exactly how many THOUSANDS of kilometres" they were from Japan.

    Posters wanting to site "The FBI says....." but don't want to listen to "America says Whaling is banned".

    Sad days in the history of human logic.

    Australain MainStream, Prime Time media had at length discussions tonight about 'why do activist heroes need to take care of International issues that Governments should be, and promised to, take care of'.

    Australian Greens Leader, whose vote decides the Prime Minister, has been asking in the media why this promise has not been met, and the often quoted Attorney General Roxon only became the AG a couple of weeks ago.

    Australian Tweet of the day;

    "Don't worry about the 3 activist going onboard, because the Japanese are only doing RESEARCH"

  • 3

    SamuraiBlue

    smithinjapan

    I really do not care how you feel about it, that is due process is handled and if Australia does not want to be invoiced then they should do more to keep these wacko for doing stunts like this. In any case the Australian government will invoice the individuals at the end but Japan may need to foot the bill to provide them with representation and also translation expenses.

    Some time I wish Japan would reinstate thrashing for misdemeanors like them.

  • -5

    Franchesca Miyara Yang

    @LagunaJAN. 09, 2012 - 02:21PM JST

    That was clearly the whole point. That is why, unlike last year, they were unarmed, committed no acts of vandalism, and came in a small group. Now the ship will have to care for these three during their entire journey, the government will be burdened with what to do with them, and global attention will stay focused.

    Whether you support their actions or not, you must admit it's a brilliant strategy.

    Wow, you took the words out of my mouth. and yes, they did win. They succeeded in interfering with the whole thing. Now they have to take them back to Japan and no more whaling for this season. Ha!

  • 4

    DS

    I dont see whaling as different from any other form of resource harvest/fishing. Most countries dont fish in their own waters, but in international waters. The whales killed are not endangered. I say let the free market decide whether or not there is a market for whale products.

    As for the three activists, they look like they won't be missing much if the y spend a little time in the company of the fishermen. Who knows, they might learn something other than the usual propaganda that they are used to.

  • 0

    It"S ME

    The distance does matter as Australian territorial waters only extend that far according to the laws(UN, etc). Hence why the aussie government said there was NO infringement. Now if you want to call the aussie government out that is another matter.

    The SM2 was outside those limits and no wishing of posters here will put them inside the legal limits.

  • -3

    BurakuminDes

    Who knows, they might learn something other than the usual propaganda that they are used to.

    Sure - they will be re-educated by the whalers as to the merits and vital importance of the "scientific research". Perfectly balanced and unbiased on their side, no propaganda there!

  • 4

    Molenir

    The issue of whaling isn't about race at all. It is about Japan whaling in waters that are not theirs and lying about what they are doing.

    Sorry, but I don't see anything that Japan has lied about. They're hunting whales. They've stated it clearly. They are doing so in international waters. Again, no treaties against it, and they have every right to do so. That you oppose their actions does not change their right to do it. I don't like the clothes you wear, this does not give me the right to force you to wear something else.

    Why should the Australian government have to pay for travel expenses if the whalers take them from 100 km or so from the AUS coast to Japan and then ship them off? Sorry, but if I were the AUS government given such a bill I'd use it as toilet paper and send it back after, saying, "Next time don't take them".

    Smith, you are smarter then this. This is not how the game of diplomacy is played. Relations between nations are much more complex, and are subject to a lot of rules and agreements that have been laid down and adhered to for many years. If Australia was to do something like you are suggesting, it would endanger a lot of economic and security treaties, not to mention issues of justice. You may as well demand that Australia sends out their warships to intercept and force these boats to go home.

  • 1

    Vernie Jefferies

    It seems that they wanted to be captured and to be taken back to Australia by the Japanese....but I guess they have the whole whaling season to think about that FAIL.

  • -6

    ObviousDemon

    For those who can not understand the relevance of the proximity to Australia's shoreline, regardless of various technicalities of various sets of laws;

    To help illustrate the SCALE of things

    If I decided to help "Shave Your Grandfather" without being invited.........

    ANYWHERE on the head would be OK......

    ......but in the groin area, whether it was within a millimetre, or a centimetre, it would still be equally inappropriate

  • -3

    ObviousDemon

    DS......."Market Forces"????

    when discussing an Industry with very few customers, or even sales outlets, sponsored and even Guarded by the Japanese Government?????

    Really?

  • -4

    ObviousDemon

    SamuraiBlue...

    You want to quibble over unknown specifics of who will pay for charging/imprisoning these 3 clear Tresspassers?

    But expenditure of Billions of Good Japanese taxpayers' yen on

    "Encouraging" votes at IWC. "Supporting tradition" to subsidise Whaling industry "Protecting" the whaling via SM2, with "Government of Japan" painted across it for all of the world to see, within a couple of dozen miles of Australia's shorelines

    doesn't bother you??????

  • 2

    It"S ME

    Japan is currently the biggest trading partner of Australia and of course australia will cut them off to support a few anti-whalers. Doh.

    Don't work that way. Sure let the Australian government cut Japan off and where do those jobs end up that rely on that trade.... Your jobs all that secure now?

  • -4

    ObviousDemon

    In regard to subsidising traditional cultural activity...

    If Japan spent Billions of YOUR tax yen to support Sumo if it couldn't support itself financially, would that be ok???

  • 1

    It"S ME

    Sure Australia can take $A54Billion(2011 figures) hit and shrug it off.

  • 6

    blue_monday

    During the trial last year the Sea Shepherd said they had thrown Pete Bethune out of the group, then afterwards they stated this was just a ploy to get lenient treatment. With that in mind, this time the judge may well throw the book at them this time round.

  • -4

    Cletus

    It"S ME

    The distance does matter as Australian territorial waters only extend that far according to the laws(UN, etc). Hence why the aussie government said there was NO infringement. Now if you want to call the aussie government out that is another matter.

    Thats funny, are you familiar with the term contagous zone. Its the area where nations can enforce their laws and rules and Australia's zone is recognised as being 44 km out from the shore. As are many nations for that matter. Yet according to many news sources the SM2 was a mere 24km off shore well within the Aussie zone. So maybe the Aussie government should pull their heads out and take some action.

    Also l find the pro Japan support amusing remember not so long ago the outrage in Japan at Russian aircraft circling Japan outside the 200 km EEZ, yet here is a Japanese vessel manned by coast guard personal 24 km off our coast

  • 4

    It"S ME

    blue_monday.

    Agree much of the world got tired of the SSCS antics and no longer believe their statements.

    Why did 3 guys that are not connected with sea-life conservation board the SM2? Where are the SSCS guys?

  • 2

    It"S ME

    Cletu.

    May it be so.

    Still have not seen any proof of that 44km zone which is against UN/International laws(see post above). Nor any proof that the ship was where you guy state it was.

    And why oh why did your coast guard not interfere and why did your government say there was NO infringement.

    Explain those and provide proof.

  • 0

    SamuraiBlue

    One point, deportation means to remove the person involved outside of Japanese soil, Japan doesn't really require to provide passage to their state of origin. In which case Japan can just throw them beyond immigrations at Narita and leave them to rot there. Since the relevant government have obligations to care for their citizens they take care of the return trip. To speed up the process the Japanese government simply arrange transfer of offenders with the relevant government authorities at Narita beyond immigrations.

  • -2

    ObviousDemon

    It's Me

    The only things Japan buys from Australia today, are the things that China and India are trying to pay us DOUBLE for.

    We are telling them no (for now) out of respect for long term partnerships with Japanese companies.

    Don't think about what Australia has to lose here.......think about what Japan has to lose???

    Do you just WANT to hand Japan's few remaining suppliers and Export markets over to China??

    Japan & Australia have been friends for quite a while,....aproaching our coastline close enough to smell the BBQs cooking in a ship dressed up as an 'official "Government of Japan" ship' is a strange way of growing that friendship.

  • 1

    BurakuminDes

    Japan is currently the biggest trading partner of Australia

    Actually, she hasn't been for a long time now. China is by far our major partner, just like China is Japan's major partner. Anyway, I take your point about diplomacy between nations - both nations are equally very important to each other, and about as friendly as countries can be. Deals will be thrashed out; just as deals have been thrashed out in regards to Chinese sailors illegally entering Japanese territory. As the Aussie govt. has stated today, these three Aussie citizens' actions are in no way representative or endorsed by their govt. The few people on either calling for "fire and brimstone", 2 year sentences etc are gonna be disappointed.

  • -2

    ObviousDemon

    its Me

    Show me where exactly the Australian Government siad "There was no Infringement"??

    They said "This will probably be dealt with by Japanese courts" which is a polite (Tatemae?) way of saying

    'Japan don't respect anyone else's laws enough to act honorably without threat of military action, so we will just need to be the bigger person ad just sit and watch what they do'

  • 2

    SamuraiBlue

    Cletus I guess you haven't read my post in the other thread explaining how Contiguous zone works, I will re-post it for you for your reference.

    under UNCLOS Contiguous zone is designated as 24 nautical miles(Beyond the 12 nautical mile limit there was a further 12 nautical miles or 24 nautical miles from the territorial sea baselines limit) with the 24 nautical miles the nation obtains the right of;

    The contiguous zone, in which a state could continue to enforce laws in ** four specific areas**: pollution, taxation, customs, and immigration.

    This means the nation at hand does not obtain right for criminal justice on board another national flag's ship.

    Hope you had learned something.

  • -3

    Cletus

    SamuraiBlue

    The contiguous zone, in which a state could continue to enforce laws in ** four specific areas**: pollution, taxation, customs, and immigration.

    Correct and under Australian custom laws the possession of such items as concussion grenades and pepper spray (both of which have been used repeatedly by the JCG on SM2 in previous years) is illegal and given that the contagous zone in Australia and numerous other countries is 44km and the SM2 was within 24km of the coast then if these items where on board then the JCG is in violation of Australian law and at least should have been stopped and searched.

    Hope you had learned something.

    Oh l have, have you?

  • 1

    It"S ME

    ObviousDemon.

    It been cited here multiple times and Australian news sources were given. Not need to rehash info already provided.

    So you understand "Honne" and "Tatemae" good for you most foreigners living in japan for years still get it wrong. Kudos.

  • -2

    The Munya Times

    The only thing I hope that SSCS won't make any dangerous, aggressive, and wanton attempt to rescue the three Australians on the open sea. They themselves might as well try to escape on their own to be picked up by a Steve Irvin rescue boat.

  • -4

    ObviousDemon

    Its Me

    I've been watching Australian News IN Australia, all day and nobody has said "There was NO infringement".

    All the Pro-Whaling posters have cited each other on these thoughts, but could you show me the actual News Reports from Australia??

  • 1

    SamuraiBlue

    Cletus

    Sorry but mere possess of the items mentioned does not violate any of the four specific areas mentioned since Australian criminal law does not apply.

    In other words those ships are not smuggling in or out the items(Taxation and customs), using the items within the contiguous zone(pollution) nor any people were smuggled in or out from Australia territory(immigrations). The three went beyond territorial waters by themselves and boarded the ship without consent from the captain therefore they are stowaways at best.

  • 0

    It"S ME

    Anyway as was said.

    Barely makes the news in japan and on CNN/BBC it was blib at the most. My own country didn't even bother reporting it.

    So if it is big news news down under it is not reflected globally nor in japan.

  • -2

    ObviousDemon

    **Its Me

    so Japan is insulting one of their closest friends, and the Japanese taxpayers who have to pay for it all don't even hear about it?????

    Have you seen the SM2 lately? all painted white, covered in "Government of Japan"

    It's like having an Australian Government Coast Guard/Navy ship, lettered in Kanji/Nihongo, sailing into "The Cove" then having Ausiie internet posters saying "It was within International laws, because they didn't technically light their ondeck BBQs"

    It's a clear and present insult and provocation, whether it technically breaks Law X & Y, or not....

    and yes, EVERYTHING that SS do is provocative, thats how they get media attention, to rally support, that funds them, whether their intention is 'to make money' or just stop whales dying.

    SS Paul was asked by Aus Media today about being less provocative, like Greenpeace.

    He said, "What have they ever done that has saved ONE whale"? It's kinda hard to argue against....

  • 1

    DS

    I could never understand why hunting whales is different than hunting any other non-endangered animal. Protein is protein, whether on hoof or flying or swimming.

    It also turns out that two of these nitnoys have health conerns (one has high cholesterol and another is ADHD- big surprise) and didn't bring their medication with them. They are also all apparently going to go on a hunger strike.

    Not the sharpest knives in the kitchen, are they?

    Source;

    http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/activists-on-japan-ship-have-health-fears-20120109-1pqnf.html

    From the same article;

    "Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has urged the Japanese government to bring the men back to Australia, but** because the incident took place in international waters,** the federal government is limited in what it can do."

    Solves the argument over where the incident took place, I would say.

  • 0

    SamuraiBlue

    High cholesterol? Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)?

    Being disciplined in a Japanese penitentiary might actually do some good for them. LoL

  • -2

    ObviousDemon

    Ummmmmm No.

    Nicola Roxon said "The **Japanese Government has said **that the incident happened xx km from Australia's shore"

    again, whether 10 miles or 100 miles, the level of insult does not change.

    and "We have formally requested access to the prisoners as in any International arrest, from the Japanese Government, however, they have opted not to co-operate with that request at this time"

    These interviews are all on ABC.....the Australian Government broadcaster (like NHK) and I'm pretty sure they have a website/podcast.

  • -4

    BurakuminDes

    I quite like Bob Brown as a pollie with principles - personally I support his views on the Carbon Tax - but his party wields too much power for the small vote they get. His calling the govt. "gutless" for not sending a naval vessel to monitor the situation is beyond the pale. I just hope the Greens don't inflame things further and this matter is quietly resolved behind doors.

  • 0

    snackswithbeer

    looks like Japan has given in

  • 1

    DS

    Good move by Japan. Showing concern for people, which is more than the SS can honestly claim. It's better than a long, drawn out drama. The best thing to do to pests like these three is to ginore them.

  • 0

    Patrick Hattman

    “Unauthorized boarding of a Japanese vessel is an act of trespass wherever that act may have taken place at sea,” said Rothwell, a professor at the Australian National University’s College of Law. “If the Japanese authorities decide to investigate and bring charges on these grounds, the Australians will find themselves being sent to Japan to face court.”

    'Nuff said.

  • 0

    nigelboy

    Dumb Aussies. Just like that criminal Pete Bethune, they will receive no support from Watson. They are merely disposable puppets used to increase ratings on SS's dumb TV show.

  • -1

    Utrack

    Everyone saw the photo of where that ship was located. Right in the Australians faces practically (26 miles from the shoreline). Committing the insult of whale killing in their minds eye it's an insult. So where does anyone get off acting high an mighty because the natives of THAT shoreline were insulted by a foreign ships actions.

  • 0

    nukewhalers

    Whalers surrenders!!!!!! Japan to hand activists to Australian authorities:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-10/kyodo-whaling-activists/3764806

  • -1

    808killa

    i heard there are protests at the Japanese embassies worldwide for these guys. more bad publicity for japan...

  • 2

    Shrkb8

    It's clear many of the posters here either don't know the facts or don't mind misconstruing them. Posters act as though the Japanese are the only ones targeted by Sea Sherpherd.... Way wrong. They were in Faroe Islands this year documenting "The Grind" and their presence prevented any "grinds" while they were there. They intervened on illegal tuna fishing in the Med. They documented seal hunts in Namibia. They have supported the government officials on Galapagos to prevent poaching their marine sanctuary and they acted in Costa Rica to prevent shark finning. To say Sea Shepherd singles out Japan is either ignorance or denial.

    I'm not sure about whether the Whalers boat encroached on Aussie waters, but why would they turn off their AIS if they felt they were on the up and up? That's like a cargo aircraft turning purposefully off its transponder.... that would certainly be looked at as nefarious and I doubt the pilot that did that intentionally would keep his wings.

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