Costa Rica Files Extradition Against Canadian Activist

The government of Costa Rica confirmed that it has given Germany its official extradition request for Canadian environmentalist Paul Watson, wanted in Costa Rica.



However, Watson has already flown the coup, leaving Germany for parts unknown last week.

Costa Rica's Cancillería (Foreign Ministry) said in a statement that it met Germany's deadline for filing, a deadline that expired last Monday.

The document, which had to be officially translated into English and German was delivered to Germany's Superior Court in the city of Frankfurt.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Costa Rica has "the full guarantees of due process under independent courts and international prestige, and the protection of physical integrity" for Watson.

Watson is wanted by Costa Rica on charges of endangering the lives of a the crew of a Costa Rica fishing boat in 2002 in a crackdown on shark finning.

From an unknown location, Watson is accusing the government of Japan seeking his arrest and avenge his anti whaling activism.

"I am very disappointed with the German government. For me it is obvious that the German government conspired with Japan and Costa Rica to stop and be delivered to the Japanese authorities," Watson said in a message posted on the Sea Shepherd website.