Paul Watson willing to face justice in Costa Rica

STTUTGART – Canadian environmentalist Paul Watson on Thursday met in Germany with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Enrique Castillo, and said he wanted “to come and face the accusations against him for threatening the lives of a local fishermen crew,” according to Castillo.

“It was a very quiet conversation, very nice, in a very friendly attitude, nothing hostile,” Castillo said. “He said he wants to clear … misunderstandings. He’s willing to go to Costa Rica to cope with the process.”

The minister also said he explained to Watson that the government “has no ability to make a deal with him” because this is “a matter within the exclusive competence of the Judicial Branch”.

Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd organization, requested through his attorney a meeting with members of the delegation accompanying president Laura Chinchilla, who is on a European tour that includes Germany.

Chinchilla said Wednesday in Berlin that if Watson is extradited to Costa Rica, the country will respect the “international standards” of law, while ensuring the physical safety of the environmental activist.

Look for an exclusive Tico Times interview with Capt. Watson in this Friday’s print edition.