"I remain a prisoner in Germany in a case that has become highly unusual, controversial and international."
Two days ago, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Founder, Captain Paul Watson shared these words, along with what is happening in Germany, as he remains out on bail, still facing extradition to Costa Rica for what Sea Shepherd says are "politically-motivated charges."
Today, the original host of the popular television game show, 'The Price Is Right,' Bob Barker posted a video online asking his supporters to help free Watson from facing extradition once and for all (video included with this article).
Barker's support has been substantial to the point of aiding Sea Shepherd in obtaining a second ship, which the organization now calls, 'The Bob Barker.' Sea Shepherd's other ship is named in honor of Steve Irwin, who was best known as TV personality and show host, 'The Crocodile Hunter.' Irwin died tragically in 2006 filming an underwater documentary.
As for Watson, many recognize him by the name 'Captain Paul Watson,' from the Animal Planet series, 'Whale Wars.' Although the new season of the show debuts this Friday, June 1st, Sea Shepherd members and supporters will more likely be tuned in to Watson's current situation in Germany.
Watson was arrested by German police on Sunday, May 13th following Costa Rica's re-issued warrant for Watson's arrest. The incident in question goes back to 2002, when Sea Shepherd was taking part in the filming of 'Sharkwater.'
At the time, Sea Shepherd came upon a Costa Rican vessel, where the crew was catching sharks and cutting off their fins. As they were in Guatemalen waters, the Guatemalen government asked Sea Shepherd to send them back to port to face prosecution. During the time the two vessels headed back to port, the crew from the Costa Rican boat stated that Sea Shepherd had tried to kill them.
No display of anything life-threatening against the crew of the Costa Rican vessel is visible in video made available by Sea Shepherd. Never the less, Costa Rica's warrant asks that Watson be extradited to their country to face these and other charges.
Germany is currently considering Costa Rica's request for Watson's extradition. Watson maintains that his life will be in danger once he crosses the border. He says the 'Costa Rican mafia' has a price on his head that will more than likely keep him from making it alive to a Costa Rican courtroom.
Other videos from well-known supporters, including Sea Shepherd Board of Advisor Member, Founder of Patron Spirits, and Co-Founder of cruelty-free Paul Mitchell Haircare line, John Paul DeJoria continue to appear online asking their own supporters to contact German officials to save Watson from facing extradition.
Sea Shepherd asks that supporters contact the following Ministers daily:
Dr. Guido Westerwelle - Minister of Foreign Affairs
FDP-Bundestagsfraktion
Platz der Republik 1 11011
Berlin
Tel.: 030 / 22771636
Fax: 030 / 22776562
E-Mail: guido.westerwelle@bundestag.de
Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger - Federal Minister of Justice
Deutscher Bundestag
Platz der Republik
11011 Berlin
Telephone 030 - 227 751 62
Fax 030 - 227 764 02
E-Mail: sabine.leutheusser-schnarrenberger@bundestag.de
Federal Ministry of Justice
Mohrenstrasse
37 10117 Berlin
Germany
Telephone: +49 (030) 18 580-0
Telefax: +49 (030) 18 580-9525
Sea Shepherd is asking that anyone contacting the German government be respectful in his or her communication. They ask that anyone contact the ministry request that Watson be freed from jail as the warrant for his arrest is "politically motivated and thus should be ignored by the German government."
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