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Sea Shepherd Update: The Trial of Captain Pete Bethune Begins
Image Source: Screen capture from a video.
Today, Thursday, marks the official beginning of Captain Pete Bethune’s trial in Japan.
Bethune, a New Zealand native, is a member of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. While actively participating in their latest campaign to stop (or at least lessen) Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, Bethune’s ship (the Ady Gil) was destroyed and he attempted to take the law into his own hands while out at sea. His attempt involved jumping aboard a Japanese vessel to make a “citizen’s arrest” (of sorts), but he ended up captured and taken to Japan, instead.
Some view the efforts of SSCS as nothing more than terrorist, piratical, or criminal acts; others believe they are heroes whom are fighting for a good cause. Regardless of opinion or belief, Bethune is taking the whole situation rather well. The charges placed against him include: trespassing, vandalism, obstructing commercial activities, carrying a knife onboard the ship and assault with a rancid butter projectile; of these charges, Bethune plans to plead not guilty to the assault and guilty for the others. His lawyer, Dan Harris, commented:
“Essentially, on some of the claims, there is no point in fighting them.” … “I mean, he went on the vessel. Technically its trespass.” … “[Surprisingly, Bethune is] in unbelievably good spirit. He was talking about how he has been in captivity for more than 100 days, if he counts the time on the Shonan Maru, and he said it’s all been worth it.”
Further updates on the trial will be posted as they happen.
By Heidi Marshall
Tags: Ady Gil, Captain Pete Bethune, Japanese Whaling, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Shonan Maru, SSCS, trial, Whale Wars
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