InsideJapan News Network
Friday,
28th
May
2010
In Events In Japan,
In Events In Japan,
Whaling protest trial starts in Japan
The trial of an anti-whaling protestor accused of boarding a Japanese whaling vessel and throwing rancid butter at its crew has begun in Japan.
Peter Bethune, 45, is from New Zealand and is an active member of anti-whaling group the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He is currently facing five different charges at the Tokyo District Court and if convicted, could spend up to 15 years behind bars.
Whale ship crew member Takashi Kominami, 24, told the court that after being hit by a butter stink bomb thrown by Bethune, he suffered chemical burns.
He told the court he felt angry and accused Bethune of showing no remorse.
Bethune got aboard the Japanese whaling ship the Shonan Maru II, which acts as a security vessel for the fleet, hoping make a citizen's arrest on the captain. He was then detained by the crew and was arrested on return to shore.
Japan maintains that its whaling operations are to do with scientific research.
Written by Kimberley Homer.
Related news stories:
Japanese whaling ships back in port (12th April 2010)
Japan accused of whaling bribery (14th June 2010)
Anti-whaling protestor boards Japanese ship (15th February 2010)
Japan blasts anti-whaling protestors (12th February 2010)
Peter Bethune, 45, is from New Zealand and is an active member of anti-whaling group the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He is currently facing five different charges at the Tokyo District Court and if convicted, could spend up to 15 years behind bars.
Whale ship crew member Takashi Kominami, 24, told the court that after being hit by a butter stink bomb thrown by Bethune, he suffered chemical burns.
He told the court he felt angry and accused Bethune of showing no remorse.
Bethune got aboard the Japanese whaling ship the Shonan Maru II, which acts as a security vessel for the fleet, hoping make a citizen's arrest on the captain. He was then detained by the crew and was arrested on return to shore.
Japan maintains that its whaling operations are to do with scientific research.
Written by Kimberley Homer.
Related news stories:
Japanese whaling ships back in port (12th April 2010)
Japan accused of whaling bribery (14th June 2010)
Anti-whaling protestor boards Japanese ship (15th February 2010)
Japan blasts anti-whaling protestors (12th February 2010)
Latest Headlines
-
Click on a region above to expand
Order a
InsideJapan meets Masterchef at Destinations -
27/01/2012
Show Time for IJT – Get your FREE tickets here! - 01/12/2011
Matsuri madness in London - 12/09/2011
Show all stories >>
Show Time for IJT – Get your FREE tickets here! - 01/12/2011
Matsuri madness in London - 12/09/2011
Show all stories >>
-2010.jpg "The Guardian, The Observer - Travel Awards 2010 Winner - Best tour operator (small)")
.jpg "Inside Japan Tours - Silver at the British Travel Awards 2009")
