Anti-whaling activist Pete Bethune gets suspended prison term

OssanAmerica is gonna be devastated. A few of the ardent Bethune haters on here were of the belief the Captain was going to be rotting away in a cell in Japan for years! LOL. I'm looking forward to their responses to the judgement!

Bethune will be back out there next hunt, trying to frustrate the "scientific researchers" and reduce the cull numbers - make no mistake. If he is silly enough to find himself aboard a Japanese ship again - he probably deserves a stint inside! Commonsense has prevailed.

lol, what a surprise

just one big joke after another

Not much to say about the sentence.

How will Bethune be going to stop the whalers next hunt? In a rowboat? Wasn't he kicked out by the SSCS, meaning he is jobless now.

You are right BurakuminDes, there were quite a few on here that were sure he would get at least 10 years. Ossan, HedaMadness and Molenir to name a few. I knew that reason would prevail though... (although I think he may have deserved slightly more than a suspended sentence)

its gonna be so hard on his wife having him home.

Sounds like a reasonable sentence. I hope he doesn't appeal. That way this will be off the news and JT can post about something else for a while.

Forgot to add.

Personally I think the sentence is a bit on the light side.

Just saw the photo and the hilarious poster some dim-wit looking bloke is holding up! "The Racist & Eco-Terrorist." LOL! I love it how some people instantly play the "we are victims of racism" card because some foreigner disagrees with their countries' stance. Call Capt. Bethune what you will - but how they can label him "racist" is quite pathetic.

How will Bethune be going to stop the whalers next hunt? In a rowboat?

What I got from watching the first espisode of season 3 of Whale Wars (in which the newly purchased Earthrace/Ady Gil was introduced, along with it's only ever captain, Paul), was that Bethune had just got into the anti-whaling thing when the SS bought his ride.

Probably someone will come on here who knows in more detail how strong or tenuous Bethunes ties to SS were prior to this past hunting season.

What a let down. So the net result is this guy goes free after having an extended holiday at the expense of the Japanese taxpayer.

taj.

I heard similar. When the owner/sponsor donated the Earthrace/AG to the SSCS Bethune came along as he capain'd her during the time-trials.

Same Sponsor will fund the AG2 too.

In his tearful closing statement June 10, Bethune apologized for the trouble but said he never intended to hurt anyone. He also told the court that he will likely no longer continue his anti-whaling protests

The rubber hose method is still in use!

Ha Ha! He's free to disrupt more whaling in the Antarctic (as long as he doesnt pull another bone-headed move like presenting himself to the whalers). This'll drive the right-wingers and foreign wanna-bes nuts.

BurakuminDes at 02:52 PM JST - 7th July

Just saw the photo and the hilarious poster some dim-wit looking bloke is holding up! "The Racist & Eco-Terrorist." LOL! I love it how some people instantly play the "we are victims of racism" card because some foreigner disagrees with their countries' stance. Call Capt. Bethune what you will - but how they can label him "racist" is quite pathetic.

Yep, that little sad loser holding the photo is nothing more than a dirty right-winger expressing his hatred for non-japanese. funny thing is that right wingers always happen to look ugly and unkept. GROSS!

surpised to me too, perhaps they saw his previous months in a Japanese jail as his pentalty. I was expecting something like 12 months with his time in jail included What will be the conditions of the suspended setenece? maybe the evidence he gave against Paul Watson was what they were really after.

I hope he will return to NZ and appricate his children now..... Watson will see it as a victory, but nobody came away from this with any glory

the hillbilly wearing the green towel on his head look like a ronin from the meiji period. It's just so sad!

I see the picture, and once again the race card, it's always about race.

Going to be interesting to see if SSCS will declare it as a Victory since he is no longer a part of them.

Maybe they do an about turn and let him back in, claiming expulsion was a ploy for the trial.

Given that the Japanese let their own people off without prison every day for FAR worse crimes I guess this isn't a surprise, though for a while I'll admit I thought he would do a short stint (like 10 months or so). Anyway, glad that common sense has prevailed.

I love the sign in the picture, though: "The Racist & Eco Terrorist: Punish Him Heavily!" Eco-Terrorist? All depends on your definition, I guess. As for a bunch of Right-wingers holding up a sign with a foreigner, calling him racist and demanding a heavy sentence... well... pot meet kettle.

Again, good that common sense prevailed. Even better for the J-government to avoid bringing on even more criticism by giving him the heavy-punishment a lot of people demanded (ossan-ultra, etc.).

Terrorism is terrorism no matter what the cause. He got what he deserved.

moomoochoo at 03:10 PM JST - 7th July

Terrorism is terrorism no matter what the cause. He got what he deserved.

<------OssanAmerica???? XD

Time served and here's to reading Paete's book when it comes out. Political pressure on the New ZEaland government from Pete's supporters will be welcome although John Key is so far in with the Asian leaders he won't be able to hear anything till he comes up for air.

moomoochoo at 03:10 PM JST - 7th July

Terrorism is terrorism no matter what the cause. He got what he deserved.

-----OssanAmerica???

A few months ago, when he was first arrested, I expressed my own viewpoint on this subject. To my mind, he is a terrorist, he deserved a harsh punishment, however knowing the Japanese justice system the way I do, what it would normally grant for a crime like this, is a suspended sentence. I said then, that if he got what he deserved, it would demonstrate the racism inherent in the system. If on the other hand he got the normal sentence, he would walk free. Today, I'm both happy and sad. Happy that the justice system for once is fair for a foreigner. Sad because he deserved a much harsher punishment. Overall, I'd have to say it balances out.

In his tearful closing statement June 10

On the one hand, he sure doesn't seem like he believes in his cause. These eco dudes are supposed to go down with the ship.

But then again, maybe he read from the Japanese playbook, and figured by crying for the judge, he'd get a suspended sentence. Seems pretty much par for the course, regardless of the crime.

I would have expected nothing less from the cowardly simpletons with the placards. They are paid to turn up.

Time for a change of tack. Publicity blitz on how much this ridiculous research whaling program is costing the taxpayers would be a place to start.

It isn't anything against Japan, it is against whaling, the moron with the sign is just showing how stupid he is

Folks, be clear that Bethune is guilty of ALL FIVE accounts, which is intentionally or unintentionally dismissed in above English translation. Sentence was clear about physical assault charge, which the chief justice denied of Bethune’s assertion. Now lets see whether prosecutors will appeal to upper court, which I will doubt.

I wish I was on a flight home Wednesday night...

gogogo -- agree. How does trying to protect whales in the Anarctic make you a "racist"? Would he be a racist if he had done the same against a whaling ship from Norway or Iceland? Please, why do these folks see everything that is negative towards Japan as racist?

The reason why anti whaling becomes anti Japanese is because of the close traditional ties with the culture and whaling. There are a variety of arts and crafts (which I suspect you guys would never have even heard of) that stems from whale parts, which would die out if no whaling is to be done.

Also, in most nations, traditional hunting is accepted outside of banned hunting (aboriginal australians hunting dugongs, turtles etc, eskimos hunting seals and other examples around the world), but when it comes to whaling, even a negotiation for legalising reduced quota for any purpose is not an option. I am yet to fully understand the reasons of keeping the status quo myself, but...

Wonder what his views will be when he gets back to the Land of the Long White Shroud?

Zenny11;"Maybe they do an about turn and let him back in, claiming expulsion was a ploy for the trial."

He was never thrown out of SSCS. SSCS stated he could no longer go on campaign/be an active member, nor was he a spokesperson or representitive of SSCS any longer for breaking the rules of a campaign. That does not mean he is no longer a member.

LOL! he's on Interpol watch list now. Eco- nut cases here.

KSB1978 - Something is not necessarily good or valuable just because it can be categorized as 'cultural' or 'traditional' (do you really need the most obvious examples?).

But leave that aside, the differences that are so clear that they shouldn't need to be pointed out is that traditional whaling occurred wholly inside what is Japanese territory, not in large quantities using great metal ships in international waters half-way across the world. Secondly is that people like you try to claim that it should be permitted for cultural reasons, but the actual justification being used are scientific ones. If Japan immediately limited it's whaling to it's own territory, in quantities on par with historical figures, and stopped calling it scientific - then the criticism would take an entirely different tone. Japan is being treated differently because it is not doing the same thing as other whaling countries, not because of their being Japanese. This shouldn't need to be explained.

Oh good- scary gaijin sorted. Now be on your way mate just lighten up on the attacks.... As for Japan- maybe its time to clean your own back yard. You can start with the Yakuza who actually extort, assault, terrorize and kill humans not whales- all right here. You don't need translators, Interpol, consular officers and foreign governments.

wonder how many japanese people really think whaling is a japanese culture..

KSB1978;"There are a variety of arts and crafts (which I suspect you guys would never have even heard of) that stems from whale parts, which would die out if no whaling is to be done."

Then why do they throw this part of the carcass over board in Antarctic waters? They do not bring home whale bones or the like, just tinned whale for retail sale.

KSB1978, just what culture is being saved by bringing home tinned whale meat from 1/2 way around the world? It is not even done in our region, & when given the chance to hunt coastally recently at the IWC it did not happen because Japan refused to compromise & cease hunts in a designated sanctuary. & while these non-traditional hunts continue far from our waters so will the protests & activist trying to stop/impede them. So we will probably continue to see more trials like this one as Japan continues to shun the rest of the world.

I think it is OK to put New Zealanders in a Japanese prison.

He pleaded guilty to obstructing commercial activities

I didn't think commercial whaling was legal...

I think what Bethune did was awesome! The fact that the idiot with the 'racist' comment on his sign wants Bethune in jail, just shows how ignorant many Japanese people are! And don't get on my case about that comment either, because I don't give a f@@@!

As long as Japan refuse to move their whaling activities to closer waters there is no way in the world they can use the whole 'part of our culture' incident. the fact that they could still catch enough whales at a much cheaper cost to them in coastal waters and yet they refuse to. They are either just being stubborn and not wanting to be seen as giving into international pressure, or somebody stands to lose a lot of money by moving the whaling activities to coastal waters.......

Thanks Thundercat. I never said that he'd get 10 years but feel free to continue to quote me in things I've never said as well.

Sadly, the 'raciest' stigma goes much further than just the right-wing nuts. Many Japanese people are adopting the same attitude towards Bethune, New Zealand, Australia and even SS for that matter. I speak to many Japanese adults in my work and am yet to speak to one that doesn't believe that all the anti-whaling is just racism against Japan, which is an opinion fueled by ignorance and propaganda like that nut holding the sign and Japan Inc. in general. Japan has proven their obstanance and ignorance time and time again and it is about time rest of the world stopped patronizing these children and sent them to bed without their whale, dolphin and tuna fillets.

One for the anti-whalers

Give a whale a voice - http://www.givewhalesavoice.com.au/

There are a variety of arts and crafts (which I suspect you guys would never have even heard of) that stems from whale parts, which would die out if no whaling is to be done.

Name one.

@timor

What a let down. So the net result is this guy goes free after having an extended holiday at the expense of the Japanese taxpayer.

that makes no sense whatsoever. holiday in a japanese detention centre?

Wonder what his views will be when he gets back to the Land of the Long White Shroud?

wonder away. I can only speculate, but even so I'm confident that he'll be passionately pursuing his goal of completing the memoir of his experiences that will help to expose the draconian nature of the japanese justice system, that same one that is internationally recognized (by the UN Committee against Torture amongst others) as continuing to perpetuate violations of human rights.

please google "Japan’s substitute prison system shocks the world" for the PDF document

now it's your turn. go on, say something predictable like 'he did the crime, he should do the time"..

As most Oceantologists will attest to, it is important to cull the herd. It makes for a healthier ocean and marine life. Humans have been whaling for centuries and there are still whales in the oceans.

Racist? Where anywhere by any anti-whaler does anyone say anything bad about Japan people?

Sadly, the 'raciest' stigma goes much further than just the right-wing nuts. Many Japanese people are adopting the same attitude towards Bethune, New Zealand, Australia and even SS for that matter. I speak to many Japanese adults in my work and am yet to speak to one that doesn't believe that all the anti-whaling is just racism against Japan, which is an opinion fueled by ignorance and propaganda like that nut holding the sign and Japan Inc. in general. Japan has proven their obstanance and ignorance time and time again and it is about time rest of the world stopped patronizing these children and sent them to bed without their whale, dolphin and tuna fillets.

Yeah, it's just a coincidence that they ONLY go after Japanese whalers out of all environment plundering ventures out there including ocean oil drillers (white dominated industry)

As for the suspended sentence, I saw it coming, did anyone else?

Posters on JT have widely criticised the Japanese justiciary for delivering this sentence for convictions in grievous bodily harm, manslaughter and child abuse. Now our very learned judges are giving this eco-terrorist an opportunity to escape jail if he stops giving the whalers a run for their money.

Heda, several times you stated that he could get 15 years in prison and that you hoped he got a severe sentence.

Sadly, the 'raciest' stigma goes much further than just the right-wing nuts. Many Japanese people are adopting the same attitude towards Bethune, New Zealand, Australia and even SS for that matter. I speak to many Japanese adults in my work and am yet to speak to one that doesn't believe that all the anti-whaling is just racism against Japan, which is an opinion fueled by ignorance and propaganda like that nut holding the sign and Japan Inc. in general. Japan has proven their obstanance and ignorance time and time again and it is about time rest of the world stopped patronizing these children and sent them to bed without their whale, dolphin and tuna fillets.

Yeah, it's just a coincidence that they ONLY go after Japanese whalers out of all environment plundering ventures out there including ocean oil drillers (white dominated industry)

As for the suspended sentence, I saw it coming, did anyone else?

Posters on JT have widely criticised the Japanese justiciary for delivering this sentence for convictions in grievous bodily harm, manslaughter and child abuse. Now our very learned judges are giving this eco-terrorist an opportunity to escape jail if he stops giving the whalers a run for their money. OH THE IRONY

Eyeblack. Wrong Wrong and Wrong!!!!!! A number of whale species were very close to extinsion due to over fishing of them. It was only due to efforts by a number of countries to reduce the number of whales being caught that we still have whales. Limited, controlled catches are a different matter, to which I do not completely disagree. They are against all whaling and last time I checked norwiegans, russians and icelanders are also white.... The reason why they dont have high profile clashes with them is because they catch whales close to home. Not in the middle of a whale sanctuary 1000's of km's away

keiko tokyo. While I would love for them to all get together to work out a deal, Australia were as much to blame this time as Japan has been in the past. They were one of the few (perhaps the only country) to shoot down the idea of a compromise at the most recent IWC meeting.....

maninjapan79 - I haven't seen a list of countries, but I know that Australia was among several countries to reject Japan's compromise plan, though they did recommended potential amendments to that proposition.

that makes no sense whatsoever. holiday in a japanese detention centre?

melonade, Exactly! I can only guess timor only knows detention centres (jail) from the "wide screen". (Outside looking in) Rumor (from a good source) has it that in the Ueno Detention Centre, just to cite on of the miserbale places in Japan, inmates (or should I say extended holiday guests?) can brush their teeth once a day--in the early morning after putting futons away, cleaning the cell and wiping clean the cell shitter--The Cell gets a daily scrubbing, but for an inmate a bath comes once every five days. Reading material, at least for foreign nationals, is next to nonexistent, so a 24-hour day ticks by so very slowly. Oh, I forgot to factor in the 10-minute morning exercise time when smokers get to cram into a small "exercise room" to light up. Some vacation! And I keep in the back of my mind that this fellow simply threw smelly stuff at a Japanese ship. Imagine what might happen if you actually hurt one.

maninjapan79;"While I would love for them to all get together to work out a deal, Australia were as much to blame this time as Japan has been in the past. They were one of the few (perhaps the only country) to shoot down the idea of a compromise at the most recent IWC meeting....."

Umm maybe you should check up on that? You will also find the EU also opposed it, as did all Latin American countries. So you could say that all countries in proximity to the Antarctic refused it, including NZ (because Japan was not willing to end whaling in the Antarctic), as stated before as did the EU & other countries. So NO you cannot blame Australia or any other one country, as it was many, & all agreed that whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary was unacceptable, & if Japan was willing to 'compramise' they would have been allowed to return to coastal commercial whaling, Japan refused.

'Racist'???

1- It is not a race issue; if anything, it is a species issue.

KeikoTokyo.

Are you refering to the IWC proposal or to the Proposal from from Japan to adjust terms in the IWC Proposal?

Pete Bethune and his friends saved around 500 whales in the Antarctic last hunting season.A great result.Lets hope they can save many more

Sea Shepherd claims to have done a deal with the Japanese Government http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10657153

Quote me from May 27th on this site

Scenario one : He'll get a suspended sentence and be booted out of the country. Scenario two : He'll get a nominal jail sentence ......

Scenario 1

and me from June 7th on this site

I think he has to decide whether he wants to try and reduce his sentence or stand up for what he believes in. If he folds they might be lenient, but if he toughs it out he'll do time, but earn respect in Japan, which will do more for his cause in the long run than any antics at sea.

He folded, from the article above

In his tearful closing statement June 10, Bethune apologized for the trouble but said he never intended to hurt anyone. He also told the court that he will likely no longer continue his anti-whaling protests.

I wonder if I was right about earning respect.

To those who are ridiculing the guy in the picture because of the "Racist" sign he's holding: Why blame the Japanese people for their ignorance of the outside world? Blame the media for brainwashing them, blame the government for it's one way policies which actually backfire and limit the people of Japan from international relations, but don't blame the people... They don't know any better, they're only as ignorant as people from our homelands who have little exposure to international relations.

Besides, this guy in the picture had absolutely nothing to do with the outcome of this trial.

Personally, I'm quite disappointed not with the verdict, but with the fact that Bethune resorted to crying and apologizing, and didn't stick to his guns like a good pirate should.

with the suspended sentence Japan may be trying to encourage anti-whaling countries to suspend (indefinitely) their objection to Japan's research/commerical whaling. Political judgement for sure !

He got what he deserved

A very light slap on the wrist? OK.

Eyeblack - Humans have been whaling for centuries and there are still whales in the oceans.

I love this comment. I suppose the fact the world's population has doubled in the last two centuries doesn't figure in this comment, nor the fact whales were hunted to near extinction until commercial whaling was banned in the early 80's.

This whole cultural argument is getting very stale. Japan may very well have a history of whale hunting, as did many other countries, but it is not culture at all! It is hunting whales for food plain and simple! Furthermore, Japan's so-called 'traditional whaling culture' did not extend to the southern oceans until the whale populations in the waters around Japan were reduced to near zero. It is not culture! It is species extinction!

I doubt he'll be back with the Shepherds. Even to pilot a AdyGil 2. Bethune doesn't seem much of an animal activist (see quote below) and he's too prone to wild publicity stunts to make Watson comfortable sharing.

Here's what Bethune said in a 2006 interview about his shift from working in the petroleum industry to developing biofuels for his racing craft: He's an odd sort of Greenie.

"I've come from a very unusual background to be a conservationist. Hunting, fishing and diving and, you know, I'm a raper and pillager of the seabed and if it's out there to hunt or shoot, I'm into it." http://www.nzherald.co.nz/personalities/news/article.cfm?c_id=72&objectid=10376534&pnum=0

The nutter and his racing partner had liposuction and converted their body fat for use as biofuel, as a stunt. I think that's even more hardcore than anything Watson could manage!

Why blame the Japanese people for their ignorance of the outside world?

Not the Japanese people - the handful of ignorant, right-wing thugs who use threats to try and get their own way.

Blame the media for brainwashing them, blame the government for it's one way policies which actually backfire and limit the people of Japan from international relations

No, that doesn't hold water. We are all exposed to the same media and government ineptitude. That doesn't make everyone in Japan, or even all those limited to the Japanese language, into ignorant right-wing thugs.

"Give him real punishment," yelled one angry, kimono-clad protester before the verdict, while others waved signs that read "Give him the death penalty", "Terrorist Sea Shepherd" and "Capital Punishment".

http://www.news.com.au/world/anti-whaling-activist-gets-suspended-jail-term/story-e6frfkyi-1225889053121#ixzz0szXRsWPX

BurakuminDes at 02:36 PM JST - 7th July OssanAmerica is gonna be devastated. A few of the ardent Bethune haters >on here were of the belief the Captain was going to be rotting away in a >cell in Japan for years! LOL. I'm looking forward to their responses to >the judgement!

Don't you know it's childish to talk about other posters when they aren't present to respond? Suggest you grow up. Furthermore, yes I think Bethune deserves far more incarceration, but I never made even a guess as to how long he'd get.

Whales 1 Whalers 0 ;)

Nonetheless, I'm glad Bethune got out. although I'm not down with some of their(SSCS)tactics at least someone is trying to do something for these wonderful creatures.

shameless shameless japan and their so called judicial system that is corrupted, archaic, outdated and totally down the toilet. yucky yucky!

P.S. No one ever wonder why the sea around japan are all deserted and lifeless, really sewer-like. Excessive and completely unnecessary killing and hunting of sea creatures are in promoted in t.v. shows.

Rare that a Japanese court would show leniency, they must be bowing to international pressure. There's no way they did this out of a show of sympathy. Bethune should count his lucky stars he's not doing ten long ones. Justice served for once, yet not without a certain foreboding.

@taj Good research and quotes but people do wake up and make changes at different times in their lives. I believe that this happened to Pete Bethune sometime in the past 3 years. I have total faith that it will even happen to the folk pictured above. We all wake up some time. Maybe not necessarily in this life but sometime

So why is the anti-whaling crowd so elated? Bethune was never charged with being anti-whaling, not even for protesting. Those who claimed that the charges were "bogus" were obviously wrong, as Bethune himself admitted to 4 out of 5 charges, and the court found him guilty of the 5th. He has been tried and convicted of all charges. Those who criticize the Japanese court system seem to ignore the fact that not one country including New Zealand have complained about how Bethune's case was handled. There has been zero "international pressure" on this matter, and the 5 year suspension is an example of the Japanese court system's excessive leniency and trust in the defendant's "I'm sorry and I promise I won't do it again" statements. The real question is whether he meant it, or is he going to be back shooting lasers and butryc acid bottles. As for Watson, this hasn't been the global "media circus" he had hoped for with the world pretty much forgetting about Bethune as it was busy watching the 62nd IWC meeting at Agadir.

What a gutless country...

Something confuses me.

SSCS said that they won't allow him to partake in campaigns anymore. Yet an earlier article quotes MR Watson as stating they made a deal with the Japanese goverment that Bethune won't be going to the Antartic for 1 year.

Which would mean he would be going back while still under suspended sentence.

I wish SSCS would be consistant with their statements, views, etc.

Good result for Peter - he can get home to his children and get on with doing something else - sans SSCS and wife. If anyone as dumped me as publicly as they did, and at such a juncture, I'd have nothing to do with them ever again.

Good result for Japan - this way it goes away as quietly as is possible at this point. Must be a relief - last thing the government would have wanted would be a steep sentence.

SSCS comes out of this looking like duckheads for pretending not to know he had the bow with him and dumping him in middle of trial. Came across as expedient and unprincipled whether they’re gaming the system on Pete’s behalf or not.

Whalers come out looking like duckheads because there's no other way they can look really. This, and the rest of the protest this year, has attracted a lot of scrutiny - which it doesn’t bear well. It is going to continue to play out on TV for a long time yet. Now, seeing what publicity, even fame, boarding a ship can bring - how many are they going to have to arrest next year?

The morons calling for excessive jail time and/or death penalty, like whalers, just cannot come out of anything looking good. Right-wing nutjobs are right-wing nutjobs wherever in the world they fester - however the association is telling and it clarifies the drivers behind Japan's intransigence on this issue.

thundercat - .....several times you stated that he "COULD" get 15 years in prison and that you "HOPED" he got a severe sentence.

Did you understand that Bethune "could" have recieved up to 15 years for assulting whalers with GLASS bottles filled with Watson's colon water?

Bottomline - Bethune is guilty of all 5 charges.

I can't believe they let this terrorist off with basically nothing. The court is much more lenient than I would have been. A remorseful terrorist is still a terrorist.

now the shoe is on the others foot

Much lighter than I'd hoped. Yes the justice system in this country really does suck. It will be interesting to see how much SSCS will keep their promise about not allowing this idiot back in to participate.

Zenny11 - Something confuses me. SSCS said that they won't allow him to partake in campaigns anymore. Yet an earlier article quotes MR Watson as stating they made a deal with the Japanese goverment that Bethune won't be going to the Antartic for 1 year.

Which would mean he would be going back while still under suspended sentence.

I wish SSCS would be consistant with their statements, views, etc.

MR Watson has been very consistant. He LIES all the time. It doesn't really matter what he says.

Bethune will soon be able to do whatever he wants to do. Once he leaves Japan it won't matter what he "promised" the judge. He's only under a suspended sentence in Japan or on Japanese flagged ships. Unless he is so stupid as to place himself under Japanese jurisdiction within the next 5 years, this legal case is over.

Of course, if a Japanese flagged ship has to fish his butt out of the ocean after he's involved in a 3rd collision and sinks his own boat a 2nd time, he'll be serving the remained of his sentence in prison.

So now all we can hope for is another collision involving Mr. Bethune. Bring it on!!

Good. Glad he got off. The Japanese are using loopholes (SURPRISE, SURPRISE) to get around something OBJECTIVELY wrong.

DuraAce.

If you count found GUILTY on ALL charges and a suspended sentence "Getting Off", fine by me.

Lets hope he keeps his nose clean for the next 5yrs, otherwise he will get a 2yr(+ new sentence) state-paid Holiday in Japan.

Ossan;"So why is the anti-whaling crowd so elated?"

Maybe it is just because of the beligerent, abusive, & derogitory comments by you on these threads as others say there point of view, while all the while you arrogantly state how they are wrong, & you know all,(while just copying & pasting davidattokyos posts). While all the while your claims of the IWC changing its status on "commercial whaling", & how Peter Bethune, or as you call him Buffoon is going to jail for years, & each time your claims are shown to be racist, & bigotted comments, it gives some moderate people some satisfaction to see the truth, & to see common sense prevail.

Ohh, & Ossan, I forgot to mention as we write this how Mr Peter Bethune is now currently on his way home to New Zealand.

Zenny11;"Lets hope he keeps his nose clean for the next 5yrs, otherwise he will get a 2yr(+ new sentence) state-paid Holiday in Japan."

Only if committed on Japanese soil, sorry you seemed to forget that little part?

No need to mention or even forget the obvious.

Maybe I should take him for a pint in Tukiji before his flight. :P j/k

Next Japan will ask NZ for a criminal extradition treaty just to make a special case out of Bethune. NZ will say "sure,sure. We will be glad to have your Japanese women child abductors at the mercy of our fair system". then Japan will relent.

KeikoTokyo - Only if committed on Japanese soil, sorry you seemed to forget that little part?

Don't you mean "Only if committed under Japanese jurisdiction"?

Flagged vessels and Embassy grounds would fall under that nations jurisdiction.

I think this "sentence" was done for political expediency purposes. Of course, he went over the top in his attempts to highlight and obstruct the Japanese whaling activities, but a lot of people around the world support some sort of action being taken against the whaling carried out by Japan and other countries. I bet part of the reason for this is all the negative publicity, worldwide, against Japan`s activities with regard to whaling and also the recent documentary film, The Cove. I wonder have any of you seen the South Park episode on Youtube about Japanese attacking Dolphins?

By the way, I think the real "racists" are the guys holding the picture of Pete Bethune, above!

I think he is more of a doofus than a "racist". ;)

The word 'terrorist' is being used a lot on this thread. Is what Bethune did really terrorism? It seems that any time governments want to silence a protest group, or aggressively control some people against their policies, they label it 'terrorism'.

Terrorist - a much abused and very over-used word.

“All I did was to board the boat that I feel deliberately attacked and sunk my vessel. I wanted justice for the loss of my boat and the attempted murder of my crew. I still want justice, and I strongly urge the Australian and New Zealand Maritime Authorities to continue putting pressure on the Japanese whalers to cooperate with their investigations into the collision.”

'Nuff said, and mission accomplished: I was given the heads-up on this from the New York Times. He will use his international attention and freedom to push back at Japan not only for the loss of his boat but for the illegality of Japanese whaling in the Antarctic. This verdict was entirely predictable and will serve only to strengthen those opposed to Japanese whaling. In that sense, it is rather similar to bin Laden's attack on the WTC: how is that response going?

"I think the girls might lock him up in the garage for the foreseeable future to stop him getting himself into trouble again, but knowing Pete, I dare say he’d get himself out and have a new project within weeks"

Sorry for the kids for having such a sorry excuse for a father.

But half of me was laughing at the crying baby in Bafoon. If members of SS are like Bafoon, when push comes to shove, they'll fold.

What a Kindergarten!!!

bobbafett - Next Japan will ask NZ for a criminal extradition treaty just to make a special case out of Bethune. NZ will say "sure,sure. We will be glad to have your Japanese women child abductors at the mercy of our fair system". then Japan will relent.

Neither government will want to be involved in something as minor as the actions of "Mad Pete the Pirate". They both have much more important issues to deal with.

I'm sure that there will be many animal-rights, anti-whaling zealots who will try to cash in on "Mad Pete's" new found notoriety. Maybe they can convince him to have liposuction again.

KeikoTokyo at 10:40 PM JST - 7th July Ossan;"So why is the anti-whaling crowd so elated?"

Maybe it is just because of the beligerent, abusive, & derogitory >comments by you on these threads as others say there point of view, >while all the while you arrogantly state how they are wrong, & you know >all,(while just copying & pasting davidattokyos posts).

Prove it. I only copy & paste from websites, not other posters, exept in reply. I was in fact proven correct, all those who claimed the charges were "bogus" and that he would be found innocent were wrong.

While all the while your claims of the IWC changing its status >on "commercial whaling", & how Peter Bethune, or as you call him Buffoon >is going to jail for years, &

Wrong again. I never called Bethune "Buffoon". Others did,I did call huim an idiot which he still is.

each time your claims are shown to be racist, & bigotted comments,

Again, show me. Bet you can't.

it gives some moderate people some satisfaction to see the truth, & to >see common sense prevail.

Yes, I'm glad it gives both of us satisfaction to see that Bethuine was CONVICTED of all 5 charges against him.

KeikoTokyo at 10:48 PM JST - 7th July Ohh, & Ossan, I forgot to mention as we write this how Mr Peter Bethune >is now currently on his way home to New Zealand.

Ohh and you forgot to mention now with an arrest and conviction record. With a promise of no more anti-whaling and no more Sea Shepherd.

No manchild other than Hollywooders have heralded this much attention in living memory.

and also, only in Japan would judges dish out suspended jail sentence for pretty much any criminal conviction.

wanderlust - The word 'terrorist' is being used a lot on this thread. Is what Bethune did really terrorism? It seems that any time governments want to silence a protest group, or aggressively control some people against their policies, they label it 'terrorism'.

Yes, what Mad Pete did was terrorism. He attempted to terrorize whalers into giving up an established legal activity. It's also been established in court that launching glass bottles at whalers is criminal, dangerous and stupid. The SS pneumatic launcher is an offensive weapon and was used to injure someone.

If Watson orders any more of his vegan volunteers to board foreign vessels or to terrorize whalers with acid and glass bottles, they can no longer claim ignorance of what they are actually doing.

It's safe to say that the High Court judges of this nation's obsession with suspended sentences spared Bethune from a direct trip to the "no-underpants" slammer. Whether you break a baby's legs or stage a quasi-prank on the high seas, you'll end up on the streets either way.

KyokoSmile at 03:13 PM JST - 7th July moomoochoo at 03:10 PM JST - 7th July Terrorism is terrorism no matter what the cause. He got what he deserved. -----OssanAmerica???

Another one who brings up posters names when they aren't there. Bethune, who incidentally is still a flaming idiot, wasn't charged with terrorism.

"Since 1977, when disaffected members of the ecological preservation group Greenpeace formed the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and attacked commercial fishing operations by cutting drift nets, acts of "eco-terrorism" have occurred around the globe. The FBI defines eco-terrorism as the use or threatened use of violence of a criminal nature against innocent victims or property by an environmentally-oriented, subnational group for environmental-political reasons, or aimed at an audience beyond the target, often of a symbolic nature."

http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress02/jarboe021202.htm

Better question might be why are the pro-whalers so disappointed - after all as Ossan points out. "Bethune was never charged with being anti-whaling, not even for protesting". He was found guilty on all counts - and given the sentence he deserved. Nothing.

Or are pro-whalers just also really passionate about trespass.

yelspal at 12:19 AM JST - 8th July Better question might be why are the pro-whalers so disappointed - after >all as Ossan points out. "Bethune was never charged with being anti->whaling, not even for protesting". He was found guilty on all counts - >and given the sentence he deserved. Nothing. Or are pro-whalers just also really passionate about trespass.

Doesn't matter if you're pro or anti-whaling. If you were just doing your job and sustained eye and skin burn injury because some one was shooting glass bottles filled with butryic acid from a launcher on a zodiac commando-style, would you be passionate about the outcome of this case?

If you were just doing your job and sustained eye and skin burn injury because some one was shooting glass bottles filled with butryic acid from a launcher on a zodiac commando-style, would you be passionate about the outcome of this case?

Um - no - I'd probably stop following most news items. Except the world cup perhaps. Although that would depend if I could still see. I could always listen on the radio I suppose.

I agree with spike. If they really care let's see them helping out aquatic life where it is really under threat of total and mass loss of life.

Another one who brings up posters names when they aren't there

I'm not a hardcore whaling supporter, though I do come down on the whalers side more often then not. Seeing me linked to supposedly demanding Bethune be convicted and sentenced to many years in jail, when I actually felt completely different about the subject (see my above post) was very surprising. I wonder how it is, that thundercat got the impression that I thought he would get 10 years. What amazes me the most however is, why is it, when there are so many other posters who are on these threads, do I get singled out? I mean I'll occasionally add my 2 cents, maybe ask a question on whaling threads, but I'm certainly not like you or David, much less cleo or michaelgtodd. Still, I suppose I'm in good company, so no real complaints.

yelspal - Better question might be why are the pro-whalers so disappointed - after all as Ossan points out. "Bethune was never charged with being anti-whaling, not even for protesting". He was found guilty on all counts - and given the sentence he deserved. Nothing.

Hahahaha, Bethune was found GUILTY on all counts and was given a 2 year sentence. His sentence was then suspended. If he's apprehended within 5 years for doing the same stupid things, he'll be doing his 2 years behind bars.

spike123 - send him to the Gulf of Mexico and let him clean up

As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them off to jail.

I saw the show Whale Wars on TV when they were trying to throw butiric acid bottles at the Japanese whaling ships trying to taint the whale meat.

As I watched, I thought, "This is stupid. They are throwing glass bottles. Why not get a water balloon launcher and fill some water balloons up with the butiric acid."

Idiots, water balloons would break easier, spread the liquid further and you could get more distance with the balloon launcher.

Misguided and stupid to boot is no way to go through life.

Taka

japan must hunt twitter's too many tweets whale.

arrestpaul - As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them off to jail.

Why would the Americans throw him jail? Just because the Japanese don't like him? Don't be so stooopid!

As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them off to jail.

Well, they appear to be hesitating so far. Sea Shepherd is in the Gulf, doing what it calls reconnaissance surveys and preparing to put trained volunteers in the field rescuing oiled wildlife.

http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-100630-2.html

Disillusioned at 07:14 AM JST - 8th July arrestpaul - As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea >Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity >within U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to >fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and >drag them off to jail. Why would the Americans throw him jail? Just because the Japanese don't >like him? Don't be so stooopid!

Fisheries vessels in the US are protected by the Federal Animal Enterprise Act. This is to protect businesses and industries from eco-terrorists. This is why Sea Shepherd never conduct any operations in US waters or jurisdiction. Stoopid is a double edged word.

cleo at 07:52 AM JST - 8th July As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, >he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. >territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot >across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them >off to jail. Well, they appear to be hesitating so far. Sea Shepherd is in the Gulf, >doing what it calls reconnaissance surveys and preparing to put trained >volunteers in the field rescuing oiled wildlife.

They've been turned away by the US Coast Guard already for entering restricted areas.

http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-100630-2.html

arrestpaul;"As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them off to jail."

Sea Shepherd is not considered a criminal organisation in the US, nor does the US have arrest warrants out for either Paul, or Peter, so no they would not be arrested! Just more fanaticisim from you.

Ossan;"Fisheries vessels in the US are protected by the Federal Animal Enterprise Act. This is to protect businesses and industries from eco-terrorists. This is why Sea Shepherd never conduct any operations in US waters or jurisdiction. Stoopid is a double edged word."

The US does not hunt whales, like you said 'stoopid is a double edged word', or should I say fanaticism again.

"They've been turned away by the US Coast Guard already for entering restricted areas."

Umm as I am sure you already know EVERYONE is being turned away from restricted areas, ALL press included, I guess that is why they are called 'restricted areas'? & why were not SSCS arrested for trying to enter these areas if they are considered terrorists, & a threat on the high seas?

Disillusioned - Why would the Americans throw him jail? Just because the Japanese don't like him? Don't be so stooopid!

Once again - As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. territorial waters. The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them off to jail.

The U.S. in not concerned with what the Japanese or the whalers think of of Watson and his SS or Bethune. Watson (and his wife) have a long history of eco-terrorism within U.S. jurisdiction. The FBI and the Coast Guard would not permit their violent actions. Their first buteric acid attack or ramming would result in the arrival of armed and well-trained helicopter crews and even better armed Coast Guard ships who would stop, disabling if neccessary, board and tow the SS rustbuckets to the nearest U.S. port. The U.S. takes a VERY dim view of terrorist activities.

I'm sure Bethune is welcome to suck up oil IF HE BEHAVES himself.

Watson's present Operation Gulf Rescue fund raising operation is a scam. If he behaves himself, he could be "rescuing" animals there today. He's not actually interested in picking up oil soaked turtles, he interesting in picking the pockets of his supporters.

Ossan - Maybe I'm still half-asleep, but I see no reference in the link you give (the link I originally gave) to SS being turned away from restricted areas.

Watson (and his wife) have a long history of eco-terrorism within U.S. jurisdiction.

Strange they haven't already been arrested then, since the US arrests even hotdog guzzlers who jump on stage in their jurisdiction.

Ossan: "Yes, I'm glad it gives both of us satisfaction to see that Bethuine was CONVICTED of all 5 charges against him."

Don't try to cover up the bitterness, my friend. The charges in at least one case were indeed bogus (he only pleaded guilty to FOUR, not FIVE), and that doesn't make it less bogus because a judge decreed Bethune guilty of the one he claimed innocent of. Regardless, while many of us said the charges might stick, a while back many were predicting a very light, if not suspended sentence, and here we have it. Easy to see why people are elated -- he did not deserve any prison time -- and likewise easy to see why you're upset and deflecting -- you think he did.

Smith I guess you don't read all of Ossan's posts. He's explained it before what he predicted and he was right on one count of his predictions. But yes he and I are both disappointed with Pete's sentence. I highly doubt the sincerity of Pete's crocodile tears but the idiot justice system falls for it every time. That's the only reason he got it suspended. Counseled to humble out and play it up for the judge a bit. That's the only reason his conviction was suspended. Not because the charges were "bogus". He was still found guilty of the charges.

So, let me get this straight, Paul Watson is on the Interpol wanted list for ordering Peter Bethune to commit an action that, according to this ruling, deserved the penalty of a suspended sentence. Do the Japanese courts want to haul Watson in so they can let him go too? Certainly if the person who actually committed the crime is set free, the person who ordered the crime to be committed must also be set free. The last time I checked, Peter Bethune is not an automaton. Just a thought.

I predicted a 1~2yr prison term if found guilty of all charges. Guess the court saw it differently.

Pleading "non-guilty" don't make it though, the courts and judges decide guilt not Bethune, SSCS and for sure no-one here.

Will be interesting to see his and the SSCS next moves(we already saw one statement by Paul Watson/refuse to call him captain as he gave himself that title).

arrestpaul;"Once again - As a Sea Shepard terrorist or even as a "former" Sea Shepard terrorist, he's wouldn't be allowed to carry on his stupidity within U.S. territorial waters."

Funnily enough nor would Japanese whalers be allowed to carry on their sillyness in US territorial waters! They to would be quickly boarded & arrested & hauled off to jail, ever thought of that?

MANY, MANY people don't like the SSCS and their tactics and that includes goverments too.

Paul Watson has been on the Interpol list before he also spend time in jail, etc. As did some other SSCS members. many countries REFUSE to register their ships, two right now are considering removing registration. Being kicked out of Greenpeace didn't help either.

It is all about showing SSCS for what they are and applying pressure on them.

Many people like the goals and causes that SSCS stands for but on the same token their actions and at times conflicting statements don't win them many friends.

Zenny11;"two right now are considering removing registration."

Um OK, what 2 countries are these then? As SSCS vessels are Dutch registered, & the Dutch have many times rebuked Japans whinning to have them de-registered. The Dutch are standing by SSCS, & to that point only just recently registered the Bob Barker under its flag. So why would a country, that you say is considering de-registering a vessel register another from the same organisation. Sounds like you are clutching at straws there. As for the Bob Barker being registered in Togo originally Paul Watson has explained how he did that to show not only the Japanese can use money to get as they wish, as I am sure you are aware Togo is one of the nations Japan bribes for its vote in the IWC. So I am sure the Japanese gov found that rather embarressing, one of its subservient countries registering a vessel that opposes whaling!

As for Interpol do not get your knickers in a knot, as they just inform Japan when he crosses a border, it is NOT an arrest warrant. Paul Watson s in the US right now, & under no threat of arrest. & Paul Watson actually publicises his whereabouts! He has even told the Japanese Coast Guard where he will be next Dec-March, in the Southern Ocean, operation "No Compromise" I believe it is being called.

Zenny11;"MANY, MANY people don't like the SSCS and their tactics and that includes goverments too."

You may not have noticed, but MANY countries do not like Japans whaling policy, nor the tactics they employ, eg bribing countries for their vote in the IWC. I do not think this is winning Japan to many friends either.

Thunder, Heda, several times you stated that he could get 15 years in prison and that you hoped he got a severe sentence.

So saying what the maximum sentence and hoping he'd get a big sentence (which I didn't) is the same as being sure he would get 10 years is it?

As I said, feel free to make up more of my posts if you want. Would save me the trouble of posting.

Keikotokyo.

You might be surpised how many of your posts try to tell people things that they knew all along.

We got many more sources for Info than JT and the discussions here and we are FULLY capable of doing our own research and forming our own opinions.

Thank you.

Call Capt. Bethune what you will

Certainly would not call him "captain". I would call him a crybaby who got his boat sunk due to his own stupid fault though.

the hillbilly wearing the green towel on his head look like a ronin from the meiji period

Um, how so? And how do you know he's not a university professor? Talk about judging people by their looks.

dog2drew - So, let me get this straight, Paul Watson is on the Interpol wanted list.......

No, Paul the Pirate is not "wanted" by Interpol. That would be a "Red" notice. They only issued a "Blue" notice for him. Blue notices are for individuals of interest related to a crime, including possible witnesses or potential suspects. They're keeping track of porkeys whereabouts.

Zenny11;"You might be surpised how many of your posts try to tell people things that they knew all along."

OK then why did you post;"two right now are considering removing registration."

Because this is completely wrong & false. So either like Ossan you like making stuff up, or your research was incorrect & I just wanted to clarify the truth. Just like 'arrestpaul' stating the US coast guard would;"The Coast Guard wouldn't hesitate to fire a shot across Mad Pete's or portly Paul's bow, board their ship and drag them off to jail.", which is once again a creation of his imagination as the US does not hunt whales, & he also forgot to mention how the Japanese whaling fleet is barred from ALL ports in the Southern Hemisphere, & most territorial waters. So it is more likely to be them getting boarded & hauled off to court than Paul Watson.

KeikoTokyo.

Lets see the info I posted about has been posted here before and been verified by various sources.

Till you can refute prove my statements incorrect they stand as they are.

Same in science all current data is accepted as CORRECT til proven wrong by new Data.

Very easy scientific principle and it states that there are NO absolutes.

KeikoTokyo - Um OK, what 2 countries are these then? As SSCS vessels are Dutch registered, the Dutch have many times rebuked Japans whinning to have them de-registered.

In 2005, Canada removed the Farley Mowat from it's Ship Registry. In 2006, the UK removed the Steve Irwin from it's Registry and Belize removed the Farley Mowat from it's Registry. In 2010, Togo removed the Bob Barker from it's Registry. Several other nations refuse to even consider registering SS ships. And all because the SS continues to engaged in various aggressive actions.

The Dutch seem to have the only Ship Registry left that is willing to place their countries flag on pirate/terrorist ships but the Dutch government has considered legislature that would override the Registry and strip any ship owned by SS of its Dutch registration. That legislation hasn't been passed yet.

Zenny11;"Lets see the info I posted about has been posted here before and been verified by various sources."

OK please post links & proof of your claim;"two right now are considering removing registration."

I would love to see it especially since both the SSCS vessels are registered in the same country! So who is this second country you speak of? So I guess that takes care of;"Till you can refute prove my statements incorrect they stand as they are."

Also while you are at it maybe you can provide links to this 'new' data on SSCS vessels being considered for deregistration? As it was only a month ago that the Bob Barker was registered by the Dutch, so why would they register a vessel, then recind it a month later?

"In the face of incredible political and economic pressure from Japan, the Netherlands has not only refused the Japanese demand to strike the Dutch flag from our ship the Steve Irwin, they have now officially registered our ship the Bob Barker under the Dutch flag."

Monday, May 24, 2010

http://www.seashepherd.org/news-and-media/news-100524-1.html

KeikoTokyo.

Do a search on "Dutch con sidering removing registration".

I do ALL muy own research and DON'T rely on posters here, pls do the same.

Reason why many posters here are biased(from both camps) and thus many links are NOT objective. And sorry, SSCS has been caught into many fibs to be considered unbiased/objective.

More than I care to quote now, same way I don't call many posters out on statements where they contradict themselves.

Often you have to go way away from the major parties to get the real news.

Zenny11, just did your search & guess what? NOT 1 link came up to back your claim! So PLEASE post a link backing up your claim.

I do my own research too. To quote you,"I do ALL my own research and DON'T rely on posters here", but in your previous post you stated,"Lets see the info I posted about has been posted here before and been verified by various sources.", do you mean other posters here, Ossan?

Ohh & by the way you have yet to answer who the second country considering removing registration for SSCS vessel is? Once again they have 2 boats, both registered under the Dutch flag, so PLEASE tell us all who this second country is?

cleo - Watson (and his wife) have a long history of eco-terrorism within U.S. jurisdiction.

Strange they haven't already been arrested then, since the US arrests even hotdog guzzlers who jump on stage in their jurisdiction.

In 2004, Allison Lance Watson was arrested by the FBI for lying about her actions in support of animal-rights terrorist groups ALF and ELF and their fire-bombings of Universities and forest-product companies. Mrs Watson was given immunity to testify against the others.

KeikoTokyo.

Your Google-fu is weak. ;)

KeikoTokyo - Once again they have 2 boats, both registered under the Dutch flag, so PLEASE tell us all who this second country is?

The last 2 countries that considered kicking the violent, eco-terrorist SS out of their Ship Registry were Togo and the Netherlands. Togo kicked them out and the Dutch are attempting to.

KeikoTokyo, the link you're looking for is here...

http://www.virere.org/2009/07/sea-shepherd-could-lose-dutch-certificate-of-registry/

Happy to help. My understanding is, the Dutch cabinet actually looked into the specifics as to how to change the registry. They realized it would take a change in law, and as its controversial, the topic won't be up for consideration until after their elections this month. Afterwards, it would probably take at least a year, once its up for consideration. All told, SS are safe for at least one more year, though not for very much longer.

Oh, I should add, that they probably will be kicked out of the Netherlands. After what happened in the Med this past summer. Its one thing when its just the Japanese government railing against them, its quite another when multiple governments are citing them for aggressive and violent behavior. This said, we're getting a bit off topic. So I'll stop and simply say, I'm glad to see this guys backside. He deserved prison time, but I'm glad he got a suspended sentence.

arrestpaul;"The last 2 countries that considered kicking the violent, eco-terrorist SS out of their Ship Registry were Togo and the Netherlands. Togo kicked them out and the Dutch are attempting to."

The Togo registration was done dileberately to upset Japan, as Togo is one of the countries bribed by Japan to vote for it in the IWC, so SSCS did that knowing the Japanese would then pay Togo to deregister it. So no surprise there. As for this claim you keep stating of how the Dutch are trying to kick the SSCS vessels off their registry you should just check your facts there, as the last time Japan tried to bully the Netherlands into removing them they got a stern rebuke, & told to mind there own business. Funnily enough this is the same argument being used here! How other countries should mind there own business & not tell Japan what to do re whaling/dolphin hunting. Yet those very same people are arguing that the Dutch should remove them because Japan says so! Bit of hypocrasy there I think! As for the Dutch de-registering the SSCS vessels they just approved registering the Bob Barker on 24th May, just over a month ago. Does not sound like they are trying to kick them off the registry otherwise they simply would not have approved of registering a second boat would they? So you can rant & rave all you like but you are posting mis-conceptions at best, or at worst deliberate fanatical lies.

Funny to how you keep trying to avoid the fact the SSCS vessels can travel to pretty much any port in the world, yet the violent, & illegal Japanese whaling fleet is not allowed to port at any country in the Southern Hemishere, not even for repairs, & would be boarded & arrested if entering most countries waters. Now that does say a lot about the standing of the Japanese fleet vs the SSCS fleet in international eyes.

Zenny11;"Enough of people trying to tell others how to live their lifes, who to worhsip, etc didn't work for millenia and"

So why should Japan pressure other countries to strike vessels of their register? if this is truely your belief?

Keiko.

Yaaawn, give it a rest. You don't get where I am coming from and all discussions are null and void.

Moderator: Readers, please stay on topic. From here on, posts that do not refer to Pete Bethune's case will be removed.

Actually the person that took this debate off topic was the guy with the sign :)

And this is what happens when SS makes a nuisance of itself in Canada:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nUSWTzvzZA (Sea Shepherd Rammed by Canada Coast-Guard) I don't know that they actually do much about Canada, these days, other than mention the seals during the low-income, whaling off-season.

Bet there is a kick ass party going on right now in the land of the long white cloud :)

Arrestpaul, I could care less who supports the SS and who is against them. As far as I know, the only good thing done here is to raise aware against hunting and slaughtering these wonderful creatures. Pete Bethune didn't do the right thing by trespassing that awful death ship and attempt to arrest those idiots. Fat chance I say. On the other hand, I'm here for them whales and as for the SS, they can all go sail in hell. I don't give a damn!

Bethune was convicted of five criminal counts, trespassing, forcible obstruction of business, assault, property destruction and violation of the firearms and swords control law. Because of HIS violent actions, he's been kicked out of Japan. The same thing applies to the national registry of the SS rustbuckets. Because of their acts of violence, nation after nation has kicked them out. No country wants to be represented by pirates and thugs. The Dutch government has been attempting to change their registry regulations to allow the Dutch government to override the Dutch Registry.

Just a couple of people missing from Pete's welcome home party in NZ, Hiroyuki Komura, & of course our favourite Kiwi, davidattokyo :)

smithinjapan at 09:56 AM JST - 8th July Ossan: "Yes, I'm glad it gives both of us satisfaction to see that >Bethuine was CONVICTED of all 5 charges against him." Don't try to cover up the bitterness, my friend. The charges in at least >one case were indeed bogus (he only pleaded guilty to FOUR, not FIVE), >and that doesn't make it less bogus because a judge decreed Bethune >guilty of the one he claimed innocent of. Regardless, while many of us >said the charges might stick, a while back many were predicting a very >light, if not suspended sentence, and here we have it. Easy to see why >people are elated -- he did not deserve any prison time -- and likewise >easy to see why you're upset and deflecting -- you think he did.

Smith you should write a book on how a person can be charged with 5 BOGUS charges, admit to 4 BOGUS charges, get convicted for 5 BOGUS charges and receive a sentence for BOGUS charges. Maybe you don't know what BOGUS means?

Arrestpaul, I understand your point...yet do you understand mine? I have posted before that I don't consume any kind of meat yet I no problem whatsoever with those who do it...but hunting animals that are at the edge of extinction..I don't agree with the use of violence at all..and I do have to agree that at least 2 charges against this man seem bogus to me..2 at least. At the end..I don't think people need to eat whales to survive nowadays. It's ridiculous. It doesn't make sense, you know?

but hunting animals that are at the edge of extinction

So, since the whales they're hunting aren't on the edge of extinction. In fact with a population in excess of a half million, the Sei whales most commonly taken are in no way endangered. The reason many of us accept whaling is for that very reason. I wouldn't support it if they were hunting species to extinction. However sustainable use, that I have no problem with. As far as I'm concerned, whales are nothing more then a sea cow. Now some species truly are endangered, and those species shouldn't be touched, under any circumstances.

Smith you should write a book on how a person can be charged with 5 BOGUS charges, admit to 4 BOGUS charges, get convicted for 5 BOGUS charges and receive a sentence for BOGUS charges. Maybe you don't know what BOGUS means?

Its pretty easy to understand why he pled guilty to 4 of the charges when you consider that pleading guilty got him a SUSPENDED SENTENCE! Had he tried to fight the charges he would have certainly gotten a much stiffer penalty. Sometimes pleading guilty to bogus charges makes a lot more sense than trying to fight them... expecially when the charges are so politically motivated. Them grapes must taste pretty sour right now, eh ossan?

In fact with a population in excess of a half million, the Sei whales most commonly taken are in no way endangered. The reason many of us accept whaling is for that very reason. I wouldn't support it if they were hunting species to extinction.

This is obviously based on your expert scientific findings! How do you (or anyone for that matter) know that it doesn't take half a million whales just to sustain the population? Just because there is a lot of them in the wild doesn't mean that they are breeding at a rate that can be sustained in the face of continued whaling. Maybe instead you can consider how many Sei whales there were before whaling compared to how many there are now to get a good idea of what the populations should be!

Molenir: Don't confused the facts, Japan takes Minke whales from Antarctica not Sei whales.

Antarctic minke whales of the "edge of extinction"??? Surely not even SS is trying to make that claim.

KeikoTokyo, why not go save some sharks.

The Tokyo District Court on Wednesday sentenced an antiwhaling activist from New Zealand to two years in prison, suspended for five years

What's the point in this verdict? Why is a suspension term longer than a given sentence?? It doesn't make any sense to me. This is going to be a waste of time ‘cause defendant’s attorney is likely to make a plea bargain with prosecutors and/or appeal to high district court and the Supreme court for a lighter sentence.

This is going to be a waste of time ‘cause defendant’s attorney is likely to make a plea bargain with prosecutors and/or appeal to high district court and the Supreme court for a lighter sentence.

It was always going to be a waste of time, because what they could charge him with (petty infractions) do not justify the expense involved in taking him all the way to Japan and holding a trial. They couldn't charge him with what they wanted to charge him with (being actively anti-whaling) because it would put too much public light on Japan's 'research' activities in the Antarctic and give SS a public platform from which to put out their message. No way Bethune will bother with an appeal - he's outta here and on his way home toot sweet. All he has to do is stay out of the clutches of the whalers for the next 5 years, and he's basically gotten away scot-free.

Well, apart from the 6 months he's already been in Japanese custody for you mean?

And Cleo, talk to your daughter about these petty infractions and see if she thinks it's petty.

I would have thought that she wouldn't think carrying a knife around was so 'petty'.

Heda -

Yup, I said 'basically'. Compared to the dozen years or more some people were gleefully predicting, I'd say 2 years suspended for 5 is a light slap on the wrist.

A sailor carrying a knife at sea is nothing compared to what the police face on land on a daily basis.

It is when you've illegally boarded.

But yes, you're right, it is a slap on the wrist compared to what I and many others expected.

gogogo;"Don't confused the facts, Japan takes Minke whales from Antarctica not Sei whales."

Don't confuse the facts, Japan does take Sei whales from the Antarctic, just where do you think the Sei whale meat that was sold in Tokyo, then meat with the exact same DNA,(ergo the same whale) was then sold in A Korean, & US restaurant came from? (Even Ossan,& davidattokyo admit to this). Also if you look at the hunt carne you will see Humpbacks on there, both Sei whales, & Humpbacks are endangered, & this is why you will continue to see more activists just like Peter Bethune down in Antarctic waters protest Japans senseless hunts. & just like Peter I am sure they will be willing to spend some time in jail for what they believe in. I wonder if the Japanese whalers have this same commitment & belief in what they do?

Why the Japanese government is still subsidising whaling. I thought they were supposed to be in debt - how much more money are they going to spend pandering to a few people dependent on a dead industry.

Weigh up the direct costs of the operation of the whaling fleet, some tens of millions USD a year I understand. Representation at IWC and other bodies, "donating" more millions as "aid" to small countries with IWC voting rights. Now they have to pay to bring conservationists to trial (to let them go) and policing the nutters outside the courthouse.

Add the indirect cost of the damage to Japan's international reputation with the public and governments of otherwise friendly trading partners.

Where's the return on Japan's investment?

It can't be the profit margin on a few thousand whales a year. Votes? Previously, obviously, but I think unlikely that the new government is as reliant on the rabid vote. There must be more pressing concerns to the public - like a bankrupt economy for example.

That barbaric whaling continues against all economic sense by a country already deep in the red is just plain stupid. I hear the public service in Japan is conservative, entrenched and difficult to manage. Sounds like sooner or later someone is going to have to grow a pair though - and not just on whaling.

Also if you look at the hunt carne you will see Humpbacks on there, both Sei whales, & Humpbacks are endangered

Please, point out where you get your information from. I'd love to read the source of this. What makes you think Minke, Sei, or Humpback whales are endangered? Well, apart from maybe a Star Trek Movie. Admittedly, I enjoyed Star Trek 4, even as I thought it was one of the sillier installments.

Molenir, the information comes direct from he ICR, you can see it there on their website, as for;"Sei, or Humpback whales are endangered?", maybe you should then check the CITES website. That is the organisation that checks the trade of 'endangered species'.

Well, apart from maybe a Star Trek Movie. Admittedly, I enjoyed Star Trek 4, even as I thought it was one of the sillier installments.

What the hell?! You know what...they still hunt BLUE WHALES!! yes, this shameless japan country...they still go after the Great Blue Whale which is number one on uncle's Tom s#it list of near-extinction. It's unbelievable how they can get away with this...they can take all the minkes they want, sooner or later they'll too disappear...but damn..going after the Blue Whale?? these japanese whalers are spineless. they are disgusting!!

If Japan hunted within its own waters then the JCG would have authority, if they choose to hunt in international waters, or other countries water, then of course there are going to be problems, & as I have stated previously as long as we hunt in Antarctic waters more people, just like Peter Bethune, are going to protest & try & block it to protect the whales. So also as I have stated I do not think this is the last of these cases we will see.

KyokoSmile - Arrestpaul, I understand your point...yet do you understand mine? I have posted before that I don't consume any kind of meat yet I no problem whatsoever with those who do it...but hunting animals that are at the edge of extinction..I don't agree with the use of violence at all..and I do have to agree that at least 2 charges against this man seem bogus to me..2 at least. At the end..I don't think people need to eat whales to survive nowadays. It's ridiculous. It doesn't make sense, you know?

Your "point" is that you object to whaling. It doesn't really matter what you eat as long as you don't try to push your beliefs on others. People eat whale meat and whale oil is a useful product. Whales are a resource that can be properly managed for the benefit of mankind (ie human beings).

Bethune is also a vegan as well as the naive, volunteer crews of the SS. They believed that they could attack whalers with impunity. They have been proven wrong and in a very public way.

The main charge against Mad Pete was the assault charge. That's the charge that COULD have earned him UP TO 15 years in prison. I don't know what you consider "bogus" about his crimes. There was video evidence of his actions, he was found on board the SM2, the netting was cut, his knife was too long plus he attempted to hide it from the police/coast guard. Witnesses and the injured whaler testified that his face and eyes were burned by Watson's colon water. All charges were proven to the court.

What's "bogus" is that Pete the Pirate claimed that he didn't know that high velocity glass bottles filled with acid could be dangerous???? The other SS vegan crew members won't be able to claim in court (they can still continue to lie to the public) that they didn't "know" what they were doing was dangerous.

amerijap - The Tokyo District Court on Wednesday sentenced an antiwhaling activist from New Zealand to two years in prison, suspended for five years

What's the point in this verdict? Why is a suspension term longer than a given sentence?? It doesn't make any sense to me. This is going to be a waste of time ‘cause defendant’s attorney is likely to make a plea bargain with prosecutors and/or appeal to high district court and the Supreme court for a lighter sentence.

You have to break court orders down into their seperate parts. The difference is explained by the legal definitions of the words used by the court (that's why you always need a lawyer to protect your rights, they speak the language of the court). Mad Pete was found guilty of all 5 crimes that he was "charged with". He was "sentenced" to 2 years in prison. The court then issued another order to "suspended" that "sentence" for a period of 5 years.

Mad Pete is considered to be "on probation" for 5 years. If he re-offends within that time frame, the court can reverse it's "suspension" order, in which case the original 2 year prison sentence is again in effect.

Mad Pete is considered to be "on probation" for 5 years. If he re-offends within that time frame, the court can reverse it's "suspension" order, in which case the original 2 year prison sentence is again in effect.

Not only that, he will likely get the prison sentence for the repeat offense.

So unless he is really that stupid (which he may well be), expect him to stay in dryland.

KyokoSmile at 09:38 PM JST - 9th July What the hell?! You know what...they still hunt BLUE WHALES!! yes, this >shameless japan country...they still go after the Great Blue Whale which >is number one on uncle's Tom s#it list of near-extinction. It's >unbelievable how they can get away with this...

This takes the cake for possibly the biggest lie posted on this subject. Can you please provide evidence to substantiate that claim?

I have to admit that I'm hoping Mad Pete does something stupid again. Really do think he should get jail time.

Mad Pete is considered to be "on probation" for 5 years. If he re-offends within that time frame, the court can reverse it's "suspension" order, in which case the original 2 year prison sentence is again in effect.

Yes. Yes. The point is. . ., why do they need to put him under the radar for 5 years-- to put him behind bar for only a couple of years? Would the Japanese legal system give him a more severe punishment if he went out on a coast and made the second offense against Japanese whalers or committed any sort of crimes during his parole??

Yes, if he re-offends he will do time for BOTH offenses. i.e. 2yrs + NEW sentence.

Same way it works globally for suspended sentences.

KyokoSmile at 09:38 PM JST - 9th July What the hell?! You know what...they still hunt BLUE WHALES!! yes, this >shameless japan country...they still go after the Great Blue Whale which >is number one on uncle's Tom s#it list of near-extinction. It's >unbelievable how they can get away with this...they can take all the >minkes they want, sooner or later they'll too disappear...but >damn..going after the Blue Whale?? these japanese whalers are spineless. >they are disgusting!!

This is a totally false. If you believe otherwise please post evidence to substantiate this allegation.

KeikoTokyo at 11:29 PM JST - 9th July If Japan hunted within its own waters then the JCG would have authority, >if they choose to hunt in international waters, or other countries >water, then of course there are going to be problems, & as I have stated >previously as long as we hunt in Antarctic waters more people,

Who is this "we"? Are you a whaler?

This is a totally false. If you believe otherwise please post evidence to substantiate this allegation.

Actually it is not false, DNA tests revealed blue whale DNA on some of the whale meat confiscated no so long ago in a restaurant abroad, owned by a J-national of course. do you remember that?

Moderator: All readers, back on topic please. The subject is Pete Bethune.

KyokoSmile at 08:40 AM JST - 10th July This is a totally false. If you believe otherwise please post evidence >to substantiate this allegation. Actually it is not false, DNA tests revealed blue whale DNA on some of >the whale meat confiscated no so long ago in a restaurant abroad, owned >by a J-national of course. do you remember that? I'm not here to post >lies.

The only recent whalemeat incident "abroad" is the Hump restaurant OWNED BY AN AMERICAN which was charged with serving meat from a SEI WHALE. So you MUST be refering to some other incident that I am not aware of. Please post a link.

KyokoSmile at 09:38 PM JST - 9th July What the hell?! You know what...they still hunt BLUE WHALES!! yes, this >shameless japan country...they still go after the Great Blue Whale which >is number one on uncle's Tom s#it list of near-extinction. It's >unbelievable how they can get away with this...they can take all the >minkes they want, sooner or later they'll too disappear...but >damn..going after the Blue Whale?? these japanese whalers are spineless. >they are disgusting!!

KyokoSmile at 08:40 AM JST - 10th July "This is a totally false. If you believe otherwise please post evidence to substantiate this allegation." Actually it is not false, DNA tests revealed blue whale DNA on some of >the whale meat confiscated no so long ago in a restaurant abroad, owned >by a J-national of course. do you remember that? Moderator: All readers, back on topic please. The subject is Pete >Bethune.

MOD- the above two posts are blatant lies and are certainly as OT as the many POLITE requests for substantiation which you have removed. Please remove the original OT posts.

Moderator: You are not permitted to accuse another poster of posting lies.

Anybody that thinks Peter is simply going to climb back onto Japanese security boat is lala. Sorry - think it a little unlikely you're going to see Bethune in prison in Japan. You can buy his book if you miss him.

Anyone confident that this show of resolve will deter protesters from challenging the whalers at sea is also sadly deluded. The protests are just going to ramp up and up until Japan stops whaling.

yelspal.

Time will tell, based on his 5 convictions if he lobs anything against a japanes vessel = prison time. Any offense aganst any of his convictions = jail-time.

Let SS/Japan ramp it up and as the NZ PM said likely there will be a casuality/death.

You really want it to go there? You comfy with a death?

Zenny - I do not want it to go there. I am just calling it the way I see it. It is escalating year on year. I have no control over these events.

While I'm pretty sure he won't - you seem to miss in post above that Peter can lob whatever he likes at Japanese ships - he won't go to jail unless he then goes and climbs back on board a Japanese boat.

Zenny11, you seem to have ignored the fact that Greenpeace pulled out of Antarctic protests stating;"due to increasingly violent tactics used by Japanese whalers", eg the ramming of Greenpeace vessels, & this is long before SSCS entered Antarctic waters. So other organisations have also stated Japanese whalers violent tactics. Now they have gotten away scott-free sinking a SSCS vessel, do you think they will refrain from violent tactic in the Antarctic this year? Knowing they can hide under the skirt of the Japanese government? Also it would pay to remember at the begining of last years season how Glenn Inwood broke Australian laws to get the position of the SSCS fleet, also impersonated a NZ gov minister in doing so. Then once the Shonan Maru 2 was on the tail of the Steve Irwin tried to blow the helicopter off the aft deck threatening the lives of many in doing so, is that not a violent action? Remebering the Shonan Maru 2 was behind the Steve Irwin, so was the agressor in the situation.

yelspal.

WRONG, check ALL the charges he was convicted on.

But, yeah I think it has gone far enough and we don't need to see an escalation from either side.

yelspal at 10:33 PM JST - 10th July Anybody that thinks Peter is simply going to climb back onto Japanese >security boat is lala. Sorry - think it a little unlikely you're going >to see Bethune in prison in Japan. You can buy his book if you miss him.

I think we can all agree that Bethune is going to do everything he cab to avoid any trouble, not just foolishly climbing onboard other ships. Even if were to go back to Sea Shepherd (although I doubt his wife will let him) or ebgage in just about any physical anti-whaling activity the media are going to blast it all over.

Anyone confident that this show of resolve will deter protesters from >challenging the whalers at sea is also sadly deluded. The protests are >just going to ramp up and up until Japan stops whaling.

Anyone who thinks that any anti-whaling protester is going to put themselves into Japanese jurisdiction, or even follow Watson's orders to do so, after Bethune has become an example of what can happen, is sadly deluded. Let's not forget that most anti-whalers at first believed that Bethune broke no laws anywhere, was innocent of all these "bogus" charges tht the Japanese concocted, would get help from the New Zealand and Australian governents who would force the Japanese to release him under pressure, and that he would be found innocent and released scott free. None of this happened in reality. The only person who has declared an increase in violence is Paul Watson himself and I'be never doubted that he would get someone seriously injured or killed eventuasll.

yelspal at 11:07 PM JST - 10th July While I'm pretty sure he won't - you seem to miss in post above that >Peter can lob whatever he likes at Japanese ships - he won't go to jail >unless he then goes and climbs back on board a Japanese boat.

I think that's debatable. Suppose we see Peter back on the Sea Shepherd zodiac firing butyric acid bottles again from a launcher. If his sentence being suspended was the result of his words that he would not engage in this kind of actiovity anymore, would he be in violation of the terms of suspension? If so a interpol could arrest him, red this time, not blue. With these unknown risks involved how will Bethune be able to do it without facing serious resistance from his wife and kids? Unless he's a real jerk and is oblivious to what he just put them through?

yelspal - While I'm pretty sure he won't - you seem to miss in post above that Peter can lob whatever he likes at Japanese ships - he won't go to jail unless he then goes and climbs back on board a Japanese boat.

If Mad Pete returns to Watson's SS and resumes his violent anti-whaling activities it will only prove that Pete Bethune IS A LIAR.

If the whalers have to fish Mad Pete out of the water because he delibertly sinks his own boat again, he will be taken back to Japan to serve his 2 years sentence as per the courts instructions.

amerijap - Yes. Yes. The point is. . ., why do they need to put him under the radar for 5 years-- to put him behind bar for only a couple of years? Would the Japanese legal system give him a more severe punishment if he went out on a coast and made the second offense against Japanese whalers or committed any sort of crimes during his parole??

OK, I misunderstood your question. Why did the judge issue this ruling in the way he did? Short answer, I don't know. No one seemed surprised that Mad Pete's sentence was worded in this manner. I'm guessing that the judge or the courts may have issued similar rulings in the past.

It does make sense. For example, a criminal commits a lesser crime, is captured, charged and convicted. The court sentences them to 2 years in prison for their crime. Circumstances suggest that the criminal is truly sorry, it was their first time, etc and the court decides to suspend the sentence. The court now gets to decide a different issue, how long the criminal should be on probation. A criminal on probation does not have the same rights as a non-criminal. Being on probation means that law enforcement personel can pick them up for questioning any time a similar crime is committed. The question is, does longer probation times reduce the chances of a criminal committing another crime?

In Mad Pete's case, if he returns to attacking whalers before his 5 year probation is up, his probation will be recinded and he will serve hard time if captured.

Another question is, what is the statute of limitations for Mad Pete's probation violation? Only until the original 5 year limit is reached or does it continue for a predetermined time, say 10, 12, 15 years?

You all missed my point. As I said - I seriously doubt Peter Bethune is going to join Sea Shepherd in the Southern Ocean again - he's pretty much done his dash there. He was only down there at all because in the sales contract he had to captain Earthrace for the first 6 months SSCS owned it.

My point was that a suspended sentence cannot be enforced unless Peter places himself back in Japanese territory (or boat or embassy). Interpol? Someone's been reading too much Biggles.

Yes - IF he is down there again and IF the "security forces" ram another boat and he ends up in the water and IF he survived. Japan can finally jail him for you. Frankly - I think your chances are slim - still - never say die eh?

Ossan - I don't think anyone thought they knew how it was going to turn out - just that it would probably gain a lot of publicity.

Bullies always think all they have to do is show more force and opponents will back down. And Greenpeace probably helped that by backing down when the Japanese started ramming their ships. However, despite your assertion, it is not true that it is the protesters have been escalating the violence. Will you cry foul if SSCS also use LRADs next year?

Lastly - spin it however you like - looking at the best footage of the ramming - the Japanese captain lost his blob and rammed the Ady Gil. I personally cannot see how anyone looking at the footage can come to any other conclusion.

Look at it again - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9zxH1kts&feature=fvw

The incompetence theory is pretty thin - he must have had some experience driving a boat - or he wouldn't have been down there.

yelspal at 09:11 AM JST - 11th July

My point was that a suspended sentence cannot be enforced unless Peter >places himself back in Japanese territory (or boat or embassy). >Interpol? Someone's been reading too much Biggles.

If BNethune violates the trems of his suspension then he would be subject to arrest, presunably to serbve his two years in prison. He would nolt necessaarily have to board a Japanese flag vessel or walk onto Japanese jurisdiction. He could be arrested through the local police if that country has an extradition treaty with Japan. And yes Interpol could issue a red card for his arrest, as opposed to the blue card currently in effect right now for Watson.

Ossan - I don't think anyone thought they knew how it was going to turn >out - just that it would probably gain a lot of publicity.

He didn't get anywhere near the publicity that Watson originally had hoped for.

Bullies always think all they have to do is show more force and >opponents will back down. And Greenpeace probably helped that by backing >down when the Japanese started ramming their ships.

The Whalers are conducting scientific whaling legally in accordanc with IWC regulations Article VIII. If anyone has a pronblem with that the correct place to address it is the IWC. A Chance that Australia really scrwed up BTW. Sea Shepherd are there to harass the Whalers and disrupt theirt operations BY FORCE. Seems pretty clear who the "bullies" are.

However, despite your assertion, it is not true that it is the >protesters have been escalating the violence. Will you cry foul if SSCS >also use LRADs next year?

Watson is the only person who has openly declared in the media that the violence will be escalated. Hopfully the Whalers will respond in kind. Or, perhaps Australia wsuld act like a civilized law abiding country and stop supporting them. Hell they could seize their ships in port or deny access if they wanted to. THey don't have the balls to send their Australian Maritime Safgety Agency ships to "stop" the whaling, but they can supprt eco-terrorists?

Lastly - spin it however you like - looking at the best footage of the >ramming - the Japanese captain lost his blob and rammed the Ady Gil. I >personally cannot see how anyone looking at the footage can come to any >other conclusion.

The Australian Maritime Safety Agency already conducted an investigation and declared that based on all available video footage no fault can be determined for the AG/SM2 collision. I think they're farn more qualified to pass judgement on this collision than anyone here,

Moleiner;"One species is truly endangered, the other is not."

Please check the CITES website, they are both considered endangered, just because Japan chooses to ignore this does not mean it is not so.

Ossan;"Anyone who thinks that any anti-whaling protester is going to put themselves into Japanese jurisdiction, or even follow Watson's orders to do so, after Bethune has become an example of what can happen, is sadly deluded."

From my understanding SSCS has volunteers queing up for the chance to stand up for the whales & what they believe in. I wonder if any of the Japanese crew have the same convictions to what they do, you know go down & hunt whales without pay, or enter Australian waters because they believe in what they are doing is legal & just?

"that this wasn't a criminal case: it was a politically motivated action by the whalers to silence the protests against their crimes. Let the Japanese defend their whaling actions in a court of law."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10657917

KeikoTokyo at 10:19 AM JST - 11th July Ossan;"Anyone who thinks that any anti-whaling protester is going to put >themselves into Japanese jurisdiction, or even follow Watson's orders to >do so, after Bethune has become an example of what can happen, is sadly >deluded."

From my understanding SSCS has volunteers queing up for the chance to >stand up for the whales & what they believe in.

Yes, your understanding as usual is based on whatever Watson has to say on the Sea Shepherd website. You probably believe he hot shot with a bullet and didn't know Bethune had the crossbow on the Ady Gil, right? It's ironic that I seem to have a higher opinion of the intelligence level of the average Sea Shepherd volunteer than you do.

I wonder if any of the Japanese crew have the same convictions to what >they do, you know go down & hunt whales without pay,

No, for them it's the same as any fisheries job. They do it for pay.

or enter Australian waters

Nobody entered Australian waters. If they did they would havbe been escorted out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Nor has the Australian government ever protested to Japan that the whaling was being conducted "IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS".

because they believe in what they are doing is legal & just?

Well it's certainly legal accotding to IWC regulations Article VIII. As to wjether it's just or not ask an Australian Tuna Fisherman if what he's doing is "just". Same answer.

And how does Bethune feel about Paul Watson now?

"He's "pissed off" at Sea Shepherd, the United States-based group that disowned him when he boarded a Japanese whaling boat"

Will he back out there on the zodiac shooting butyric acid bottles? Doesn't look like it.

"He's promised he'll stay put for the next few years. It helps that under the terms of his suspended sentence he's also promised a Japanese court he wouldn't go near the whaling boats to protest at sea. "It did hurt to say that, but my priority was to get out of that prison," he said."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3906805/Pete-Bethune-happy-he-can-talk-again

Japan is completely out on a limb with this . No-one cares about IWC loophole version eight.

Australia are still trying to resolve this diplomatically and legally - Australia could easily project power out to the Southern Ocean. For obvious reasons that is a step they would rather not take. But why push Australia at all - where's the upside?

based on all available video footage no fault can be determined for the AG/SM2 collision

Note word "available". Look at the video. Use your own eyes. I have driven power boats around for 20 years. All I see is an, all-but-stationary, boat being deliberately mown down by a much larger one.

I see the same thing in all the videos. The angle showing Ady Gil side-on, and the Japanese ship from the front is the best angle to examine the claim the Ady Gil accelerated in front of the bigger boat. It absolutely did not.

Did Security Captain inadvertently steer the wrong way? He should answer this in a court of law. Was it accidental (incomptent), deliberate (attempted murder), or miscalculated - (just dangerous and stupid).

The Japanese rammed and sank a boat on the high seas and have been whining like schoolgirls that everyone is picking on them ever since. Spin spin spin - just watch the video...

raw footage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9zxH1kts&NR=1&feature=fvwp

expert opinion (aussie) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9zuJUC-hvg&feature=related

Sorry schoolgirls. I apologise for implying schoolgirls whine like whalers. There's no one I do want to compare them to actually. Congratulations - a truly incomparable whaling industry.

and yes, molenir..I'm very very happy that Pete Bethune is back home now. Nothing you or anybody else can do about that. The man's free. yay for the whales, nay for the scum-whalers. :D

the hits keep coming!

I think the expert opinion is wrong

Or, perhaps Australia wsuld act like a civilized law abiding country

Ossan - you are missing the whole civilised and law abiding point. There is nothing civilised or law-abiding about the whaling. Australia may not always get everything right - but it is an open society with vigorous debate and a representative parliament. In terms of integrity, far above that of a grubby whaling company gusseted up as a research institute.

Question for me is why prod at Australia at all? Japan and Australia have deep trading links and generally positive relations. This is a dead industry and against the current world mega-trend towards ecological responsibility.

Why keep whaling?

yelspal - Look at the video. Use your own eyes. I have driven power boats around for 20 years. All I see is an, all-but-stationary, boat being deliberately mown down by a much larger one.

I see the same thing in all the videos. The angle showing Ady Gil side-on, and the Japanese ship from the front is the best angle to examine the claim the Ady Gil accelerated in front of the bigger boat.

It absolutely did not.

The Japanese rammed and sank a boat on the high seas and have been whining like schoolgirls that everyone is picking on them ever since. Spin spin spin - just watch the video...

If Mad Pete were on trial for ship collisions he would still be in prison. If Mad Pete returns to his master, Paul the Pirate, eco-terrorists then he will prove that he is a LIAR.

In 2007, Bethune's Earthrace (later renamed the Ady Gil) collided with a Guatemalan fishing boat, killing a fisherman.

In 2010, Behtune's Ady Gil was deliberately excellerated into the path of the Shonan Maru 2, scratching the anti-fouling paint on the bow of the SM2 and destroyed his own boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxYxdkXlimk&feature=related

yelspal at 07:16 PM JST - 11th July Japan is completely out on a limb with this . No-one cares about IWC >loophole version eight.

Yes, people with no education or appreciation of law probably don't care. That's why they keep whining about the "illegal whaling" in the face of clear evidencence yjat it's legal, whether they like it or not. Fortunately the Australians are bringing this matter up before the ICJ where the IWC regulations will most certainly matter.

Australia are still trying to resolve this diplomatically and legally - >Australia could easily project power out to the Southern Ocean. For >obvious reasons that is a step they would rather not take. But why push Australia at all - where's the upside?

"Australia could easily project power out to the southern ocean", according to you. Yet how many years has it been that it has not? Australia has nmot done so because doing so would be in violation of the Antarctic Treaty amd would destgroy their claim to the AAT, a claim recognized only by 4 countries all of whom hae similar claims. THe United States does ot recognize Australia's claim.

based on all available video footage no fault can be determined for the >AG/SM2 collision Note word "available". Look at the video. Use your own eyes. I have >driven power boats around for 20 years. All I see is an, all-but->stationary, boat being deliberately mown down by a much larger one.

Look a the video take from the SM2 looking down at the AG just prior to and during the collision. The AG is in idle, and suddenly a propwash appears afnd the AG moves forward right accross the path of the SM2's bow. Note also that from the AG video, the AG crew sat around laughing wsatcjing the SM2 approach without moving away from the much slower vessel. The particulars of the AG/SM2 collision has already been argued ad infinitum, the AMSA has found no singler party at fault. THe NZMA has so far shown no indication of when or even IF they are ever going to release their investigation findings. Arguing about it now is a waste of time.

KyokoSmile at 08:11 PM JST - 11th July and yes, molenir..I'm very very happy that Pete Bethune is back home >now. Nothing you or anybody else can do about that. The man's free. yay >for the whales, nay for the scum-whalers. :D

But he is NOT free to engage in physical anti-whaling activities for at least 5 years. :D

KeikoTokyo - "that this wasn't a criminal case: it was a politically motivated action by the whalers to silence the protests against their crimes. Let the Japanese defend their whaling actions in a court of law."

Hahahaha, "claims" that Mad Pete's criminal actions didn't result in a criminal case are ludicriss. It's incredible that video evidence, eye witness and medical testimony plus the fact that Pete was found STANDING on the deck of the SM2 can be ignored by the anti-whaling zealots.

Who are we supposed to believe, Watson/Bethune or our lying eyes? hehehehe

yelspal at 10:17 PM JST - 11th July Or, perhaps Australia wsuld act like a civilized law abiding country Ossan - you are missing the whole civilised and law abiding point. There >is nothing civilised or law-abiding about the whaling.

Whether "whaling" is civilized or not is a matter od personal and cultural interpretation. Are you calling the Inuits of the US, Canada and Greenland "uncivilized"? The Scientific Whaling Japan is conducting is indeed Law-Abiding as it is sanctioned by IWC Regulations Article VIII (which you don't care about). The IWC had a chance to end this but Australia destroyed that chance.

Australia may not always get everything right - but it is an open >society with vigorous debate and a representative parliament. In terms >of integrity, far above that of a grubby whaling company gusseted up as >a research institute.

No, I think Australia's attept to enforce jurisdiction over a "claimed" area in violation of the Antarctic Treaty is pretty da,mn "grubby". And let's face it, Australia has stated "we wouldn't care if they were whaling somewhere else" so many times that it's undeniable that the territorial issue is the main point of their position.

Question for me is why prod at Australia at all? Japan and Australia >have deep trading links and generally positive relations. This is a dead >industry and against the current world mega-trend towards ecological >responsibility. Why keep whaling?

Put another way, if they are whaling only non-endangered species, why shouldn't they? If they are even willing to reduce take numbers and agree to IWC monitoring on top of that, why shouldn't they? Why should Australia demand that "zero whales be taken period"? Obviously because of the terrotorial issue.

So - no actual reasons to keep whaling then.

OK - lets take this slowly - look at the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9zxH1kts&NR=1&feature=fvwp

See? The big boat runs down the little one.

Seriously - do you think the Ady Gil crew suddenly decided to delberately drive under this huge boat - and then all go and sit around on the foredeck and watch.

Are you calling the Inuits of the US, Canada and Greenland "uncivilized"?

Yes. Add in the Faroe Islands, Norway, Iceland, Russia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, too. Anywhere where they think hacking an animal to death is 'culture'.

if they are whaling only non-endangered species, why shouldn't they?

Because it's impossible to kill a marine mammal humanely. Continuing to kill animals knowing that you're making them suffer is barbaric. Not being able to understand the suffering of other creatures is even more barbaric, of course.

If they are even willing to reduce take numbers...

...why are they taking so many in the first place? They're admitting they take more than they need (since they can obviously get by on less)....so why not show good faith by cutting numbers?

yelspal - Seriously do you think the Ady Gil crew suddenly decided to delberately drive under this huge boat and then all go and sit around on the foredeck and watch.

I have no idea what a psychotic crew is capable of. The cavitation trails behind the Ady Gil PROVE that it began accelerating forward just before the collision and it's twin 600hp engines were really churning the water at the moment of impact.

I only see the Ady Gil accelerating. If you want to know WHY the Ady Gil accelerated, you'll have to ask the bonehead who was at the helm of the Ady Gil and pushed the throttles forward.

cleo - ...why are they taking so many in the first place? They're admitting they take more than they need (since they can obviously get by on less)....so why not show good faith by cutting numbers?

There was a recent attempt in the IWC to reduce the numbers of whales taken. The animal-rights, anti-whaling zealots would only consider a complete ban on all whaling. No compromise could be reached. The older negotiated numbers (higher numbers) are still in effect.

Is Bethune planning on join the IWC as a representative or NGO member during his 5 year probation period?

The cavitation trails behind the Ady Gil PROVE that it began accelerating forward just before the collision

You mean the AG was not accelerating until just before the collision - when it became clear that Mad Capt'n Komura was intent on running them down, not just giving them the soaking they were used to and expected again.

The animal-rights, anti-whaling zealots would only consider a complete ban on all whaling. No compromise could be reached.

That doesn't explain why Japan is taking more whales than it admits it needs.

The older negotiated numbers (higher numbers) are still in effect.

There are no 'older negotiated numbers'. According to the infamous Article 8 each country sets its own quota for 'research' whaling. Don't try to pretend that Japan is somehow obliged to catch a huge number of whales determined by the IWC. Japan decides unilaterally how many whales it wants to 'research'.

twin 600hp engines were really churning the water at the moment of impact

You can't be serious - the 15 horse on my dingy puts out more wake than that - not the seafaring type I take it.

The Security boat captain lost it and either tried to give them a scare and misjudged, or deliberately rammed them. Look at the video - it clearly shows the Security Boat turning to starboard to intercept a barely moving Ady Gil.

older negotiated numbers (higher numbers) are still in effect.

ha ha ha - scrabbling here - not even half true.

yelspal at 12:37 AM JST - 12th July So - no actual reasons to keep whaling then.

No reasons to stop whaling for non-endangered species either. You haven't made any point here one way or the other.

cleo at 12:51 AM JST - 12th July Are you calling the Inuits of the US, Canada and Greenland "uncivilized"? Yes. Add in the Faroe Islands, Norway, Iceland, Russia and St Vincent >and the Grenadines, too. Anywhere where they think hacking an animal to >death is 'culture'.

If it were anyone other than you cleo, I'd take you to task for the politically incporrect view of calling our Native American people "uncivilized", a practice we've pretty much ended in the 19th century. But of course you're a special case, one who considers all meat eating, not just whales "uncivilized". That's your personal point of view. I believe people are inherently omnivorous therefore I don't consider eating meat to be any measure of being civilized or not.

if they are whaling only non-endangered species, why shouldn't they? Because it's impossible to kill a marine mammal humanely. Continuing to >kill animals knowing that you're making them suffer is barbaric. Not >being able to understand the suffering of other creatures is even more >barbaric, of course.

We've been over this multiple times. All animals suffer when being killed. Apat from perhaps gassing an animal, and even that subject to the type of gas, I don't believe there's ANY "Humane" way to kill an animal for any reason. But that didn't stop me from enjoying my pork chops last night.

If they are even willing to reduce take numbers... ...why are they taking so many in the first place? They're admitting >they take more than they need (since they can obviously get by on >less)....so why not show good faith by cutting numbers?

We've been over this too. To actually conduct Scientific whaling you need to take a specific sample size, meaning the numbers have to be sufficient to be representative. Otherwise the IWC Scientific Committee, to which Japan has been submitting research data would reject them. At the 62nd IWC Agadir Conference, Japan was willing to cut the numbers because the proposal included eliminating the Scientific Whaling. WEll the hardline antiwhalers got their way and quashed the proposal supported by the IWC, the moderate anti-whaling nations amd the whaling nations.

yelspal at 02:36 AM JST - 12th July The Security boat captain lost it and either tried to give them a scare >and misjudged, or deliberately rammed them. Look at the video - it >clearly shows the Security Boat turning to starboard to intercept a >barely moving Ady Gil.

Nope. The master of the SM2 attenmpted (and actually succeeded) in bringing his vessel in a parallel course with the idling AG. This ids a fact which is stated in the Australian Maritime and Safety Agency Investigation Report on the AG/SM2 collision. The only misjudgement on the part of the SM2 Master was that he probably did not expect the AG to put her throttles into forward and accelerate accross the path of the SM2's bow. The vieo you refer to, the one shot from the Bob Barker does not show the SM2 "turning to starboard". It shows the SM2 going down from the waves then coming up closer to the AG, which SS supporters mistakingly believe is a turn to starboard. Had it actually been a turn to starboard the direction of the SM2's bow would have been different when it comeds up from the wabe. It isn't, meaning the bearing is unchanged. So I remind you again, the AMSA having looked at all the videos has concluded that no one vessel was at fault. Get over it.

**OssanAmerica at 12:13 AM JST - 12th July

KyokoSmile at 08:11 PM JST - 11th July and yes, molenir..I'm very very happy that Pete Bethune is back home >now. Nothing you or anybody else can do about that. The man's free. yay >for the whales, nay for the scum-whalers. :D

But he is NOT free to engage in physical anti-whaling activities for at least 5 years. :D **

BS, the j-whalers has ZERO jurisdiction on international waters, as long as he stay away from j-territory he can basically do whatever he wants. boo-hoo! :D

Nope. The master of the SM2 attenmpted (and actually succeeded) in bringing his vessel in a parallel course with the idling AG

The master? Are you a whaler too? Sounds like you idolize those scumbags.. LOL!!

cleo at 01:40 AM JST - 12th July

The cavitation trails behind the Ady Gil PROVE that it began accelerating forward just before the collision

You mean the AG was not accelerating until just before the collision - when it became clear that Mad Capt'n Komura was intent on running them down, not just giving them the soaking they were used to and expected again.

The animal-rights, anti-whaling zealots would only consider a complete ban on all whaling. No compromise could be reached.

That doesn't explain why Japan is taking more whales than it admits it needs.

The older negotiated numbers (higher numbers) are still in effect.

There are no 'older negotiated numbers'. According to the infamous Article 8 each country sets its own quota for 'research' whaling. Don't try to pretend that Japan is somehow obliged to catch a huge number of whales determined by the IWC. Japan decides unilaterally how many whales it wants to 'research'.

Exactly!! No one believes their "research" anymore. Lying Scum-whalers!

Or... maybe it looks like the ship goes hard starboard towards the Ady Gil because ship goes hard starboard towards the Ady Gil.

Just had another look and tried the whole sliding down a wave with captain bates valiantly struggling to avoid the dastardly Ady Gil scenario. But nup - the big boat turns and runs over the little one.

I do think he realised he'd gone to far, that AG was not underway, and he finally went hard to port at the last second. Which is lucky cos he was about to hit amidships and there would almost certainly have been deaths.

unless you've never actually seen a boat in reverse.

You think it was in reverse now?? I thought your whole schtick was that the Ady Gil deliberately drove under the Security ship? Or was it just a lead in to your dirty insinuations the following paragraph?

I don't think they were in reverse - it looks to me like they are trying to get some steerage at the last second - but it was already too late - most of them hadn't even made it back to the cockpit yet.

It was a dirty, dangerous manoeuvre that the Japanese Security captain should answer to in court (or court martial - not sure who's actually providing this Security).

Japan would punch someone in the nose and then charge the foreigner with getting blood on their hand.

Japan would punch someone in the nose and then charge the foreigner with getting blood on their hand.

Hahaha So true!!

Yelspal, could you please send that video link to the Australian investigation because they clearly haven't seen it. Otherwise an impartial organisation would have had no option to say that the Japanese were at fault. Yet despite the evidence they had they didn't. So please send it to the Australians so they can change their verdict.

BS, the j-whalers has ZERO jurisdiction on international waters, as long as he stay away from j-territory he can basically do whatever he wants. boo-hoo! :D

He was found guilty and sentenced by a Japanese COURT and not the whalers. Were he to reoffend the Japanese would seek extradition from New Zealand.

kyoko

The master? Are you a whaler too? Sounds like you idolize those scumbags.. LOL!!

"Master" is a rank used on ships.

He was found guilty and sentenced by a Japanese COURT and not the whalers. Were he to reoffend the Japanese would seek extradition from New Zealand.

No they wouldn't - the Japanese government needs a high profile extradition battle with a anti-whaling protester like it needs a hole in the head.

Also - why does everyone think Peter Bethune is going back down to the Southern Ocean? You'll miss him I know - but he's gone, left you. Don't worry - there are plenty more fish in the sea (well - not really - but you know what I mean).

Ossan;"The master of the SM2 attempted (and actually succeeded) in bringing his vessel in a parallel course with the idling AG. This ids a fact which is stated in the Australian Maritime and Safety Agency Investigation"

At NO point in the AMSA report does it state this! & glad to see you now admit the Ady Gil was at idle, not zooming along.

"The only misjudgement on the part of the SM2 Master was that he probably did not expect the AG to put her throttles into forward and accelerate accross the path of the SM2's bow."

If they were in parallel course as you have stated how did the Ady Gil accelerate 'across' the bow of the Shonan Maru 2? You just stated they had a parallel course!

"the one shot from the Bob Barker does not show the SM2 "turning to starboard". It shows the SM2 going down from the waves then coming up closer to the AG, which SS supporters mistakingly believe is a turn to starboard. Had it actually been a turn to starboard the direction of the SM2's bow would have been different when it comeds up from the wabe. It isn't, meaning the bearing is unchanged. So I remind you again, the AMSA having looked at all the videos has concluded that no one vessel was at fault. Get over it."

You have stated the Shonan Maru 2 turned to port just before the collision, did you draw that conclusion from the listing to starboard of the Shonan Maru 2? Then it is also correct to state from the moments clearly seen of the Shonan Maru 2 listing to port as it came around onto the Ady Gil. This list is clearly seen not just as it comes off a wave, but is clear all the way through the video. Also the bearing of the Shonan Maru can be seen to change as it come though the waves. The AMSA report NEVER stated that no vessel was at fault, it stated due to the lack of evidence because of the Japanese authorities lack of co-operation with the investigation it could not come to a conclusion. So just as a guilty party never gives evidence at their own trial nor did the Japanese give evidence, once again showing the guilt. If the Captain of the Shonan Maru 2 was not to blame then all the GPS, course tracker etc from the Shonan Maru 2 would have shown this. Surely the Japanese Coast Guard if not guilty would have loved to present this evidence to an independant investigation proving the innocence to the world, & also then giving Australian authorities the chance to act on it against SSCS, considering the Japanese gov requested SSCS be investigated by the AFP.

check this out...Bethune http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10658302

Yeah great article. Love the quote from him: "I don't discount that someone is going to die down there sooner or later, there's no shortage of people willing to go down and risk their lives, but if someone were to die it would be someone from Sea Shepherd."

Because he recognizes the fact that Sea Shepherd puts it's people in danger all the time. Like he did with his Ady Gil. Bet he was hoping there would have been someone on his boat seriously hurt just so he could say see they are trying to kill us in the Southern Ocean. Well that's what they say they are willing to do so when one of them dies I'll be there laughing all the way. Die for your cause like the Taliban you are.

Mr De Groot said Mr Bethune's lawyers had been informed of the ploy but the word had not got through to Mr Bethune and that was unfortunate.

Proof that Sea Sheeple lie through their teeth.

Proof that Sea Sheeple lie through their teeth.

Actually I agree with you there. That was just stupid gamesmanship and I didn't help Peter or SSCS. If I was Peter I'd be telling both Sea Shepherd and the wife to at a rolling donut.

Of course your previous post stating Peter hoped to kill or injure his crew is patent nonsense. Nobody wants the protests to cause injuries or death (except you "there laughing all the way", and few others of course). He says it is likely to be a SS member because he's seen first hand what whalers are capable of.

Basically the whalers position seems to be - "we are dangerous lunatics - if you know that and still come near us - the violence we commit is your fault". I.e. - they are bullies. And, not very deep down, bullies are bullies because they are scared.

yelspal - I do think he realised he'd gone to far, that AG was not underway, and he finally went hard to port at the last second. Which is lucky cos he was about to hit amidships and there would almost certainly have been deaths.

I don't think they were in reverse - it looks to me like they are trying to get some steerage at the last second - but it was already too late - most of them hadn't even made it back to the cockpit yet.

The cavitation trails prove the AG was under power (propellers were turning) and underway (moving forward) well before the collision. The AG was required to maintain it's course and SPEED. The pirate at the helm could have put the AG in reverse and accelerated away from the path of the SM2 but he didn't. Oops.

Mad Pete didn't get a suspended sentence for destroying his own toy boat. He was found guilty of the crimes it was PROVEN that he actually committed. He was given a suspended sentence because the court wanted him out of the country. Then they kicked him out. Good riddence to bad rubbish.

arrestpaul;"Then they kicked him out. Good riddence to bad rubbish."

This from someone who was stating how he would be spending 10-15 in jail? Is this your easy cop-out now?

"The pirate at the helm could have put the AG in reverse and accelerated away from the path of the SM2 but he didn't. Oops."

Or maybe 1 of the 5 at watch on the Shonan Maru 2,(shown in all still shots, 3 different levels of elevation, including person in the crow tower), could have passed on the information, we are to close, we are going to collide, but then seeing they could all clearly see,(note the binoculars in hand), the crew of the Ady Gil was on deck, so took the cheap shot, & rammed a boat 10 times smaller than it, with the intent of destroying it. So the captain of the Shonan Maru 2 could have abided by the rules of the sea to avoid the collision? Especially considering he was over taking a vessel from its port quarter, which mean the Ady Gil had right of way, & when passing a vessel from the port quarter the master MUST communicate, & give the other vessel its intentions & course. Are you saying the captain of the Shonan Maru 2 communicated to the Ady Gil its course & intentions?

Mad Pete SHOULD have been sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.

And the AG as the "stand on" vessel should have maintained it's course and SPEED. The problem with continually playing a game of "chicken" is that someone is going to screw up eventually. The AG screwed up.

The AG could have avoided the bow of the SM2 if it had maintained it's SPEED or if it had reversed (that means "to go backwards") its course.

Mad Pete was NOT found guilty of destroying his own toy boat or scratching the anti-fouling paint on the bow of the SM2. He was found guilty of several crimes including spashing acid into the face and eyes of a man who was just doing a job. He was given a suspended sentence and kicked out of Japan. He got off easy.

cleo at 12:51 AM JST - 12th July Are you calling the Inuits of the US, Canada and Greenland "uncivilized"? Yes. Add in the Faroe Islands, Norway, Iceland, Russia and St Vincent >and the Grenadines, too. Anywhere where they think hacking an animal to >death is 'culture'.

if they are whaling only non-endangered species, why shouldn't they?

Because it's impossible to kill a marine mammal humanely. Continuing to kill animals knowing that you're making them suffer is barbaric. Not >being able to understand the suffering of other creatures is even more >barbaric, of course.

If they are even willing to reduce take numbers...

...why are they taking so many in the first place? They're admitting >they take more than they need (since they can obviously get by on >less)....so why not show good faith by cutting numbers?

Sorry cleo but my clear polite concise response to each of your points was somehow deemed OT by the MOD.

KeikoTokyo at 02:06 PM JST - 12th July Ossan;"The master of the SM2 attempted (and actually succeeded) in >bringing his vessel in a parallel course with the idling AG. This ids a >fact which is stated in the Australian Maritime and Safety Agency >Investigation"

At NO point in the AMSA report does it state this! & glad to see you now >admit the Ady Gil was at idle, not zooming along.

Would you cease with this time wasting "denial of reality" line of arguments?

"In the case of he Shonan Maru no.2, the bearing of the Ady Gil appeared to be on a parallel or near parallel as it approached fine on the bow".

AMSA REPORT

And I have always stated the AG was in Idle until the last moment when the throttles were put in forward, therebyu crossing the SM2 accross the bow. I think you're posting so much that you've lost complete track of who said what.

The ruling was final as Bethune had given up his right to appeal, while the prosecutors also said they would not appeal.

It's kind of a plea bargain between the two. Since Pete Bethune is not a Japanese citizen and his misconduct occurred in the foreign shore-- not on a Japanese soil, the sentence does not seem to have much effect on him no matter what offense he will do against Japanese whalers through his anti-whaling activity, as far as he stays out from Japan.

Ossan - anyone looking at this video - and summarising it as Ady Gil deliberately forcing the security ship to hit is - is delusional

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rar9zxH1kts

Here is footage from the Ady Gil right up to a few seconds before the crash - the crew are just hanging around on deck - Bethune wasn't in the cockpit. But you can pick it up on the footage from the ship - you can see them standing round - then desperately scambling to get in as the Security ship rams them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfGM-LzGKjc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dXCR9LX-Kc&feature=related

This collision was unprovoked. Sure - before this point Ady Gil had been literally running rings around them - but this collision was not engineered by the Ady Gil.

The Japanese ship's captain is primarily at fault and should be charged. Japan has insufficient political will to make contentious decisions. That is why it is breaking down in so many ways. Nobody has learned you can't make a cake without breaking eggs. The government seems to be run by the public service instead of the other way round - and when you get a "conservative" culture in a ministry - like Fisheries - they make decisions that follow their own idealogue - not considering Japan as a whole.

If it was a Aussie driving that Security ship - when he got home he would have some serious questions to answer, and it would be in a public forum. Only in Japan would he be totally ignored in favour of charging the victim.

amerijap

Leaglly speaking, it did occur on Japanese soil.

yelspal at 08:51 AM JST - 13th July Ossan - anyone looking at this video - and summarising it as Ady Gil >deliberately forcing the security ship to hit is - is delusional

yelspat give it up. Look at the SM2 video looking down at the AG. You can't miss the propwash moments before impact confirming that the AG accelerated forward. Maybe you'd like to explain why the ady gil, a vessel immensely faster than the SM2 sat idle as the SM2 approached from a distance. Perhaps you can explain my Bethune and crew sat on deck watching the SM2 approach laughing like retarded high school kids rather than moving away. This topic is old and boring.

yelspal - If it was a Aussie driving that Security ship - when he got home he would have some serious questions to answer, and it would be in a public forum. Only in Japan would he be totally ignored in favour of charging the victim.

Victim? Did you read the article? Madman Pete wasn't charged with being involved in another collision at sea.

According to the article - "Bethune was indicted in April on five criminal counts—trespassing, forcible obstruction of business, assault, property destruction and violation of the firearms and swords control law."

"In conspiracy with other Sea Shepherd Conservation Society members, Bethune projected a glass bottle of butyric acid onto the Shonan Maru No. 2, the fleet security escort ship on Feb 11, obstructing business, and injuring a 25-year-old crew member of the escort ship, according to the ruling."

Pete the pirate was arrested, tried and convicted of crimes that he admitted to. Video and witnesses proved that he broke several laws. He's NOT a victim, he's a ciminal.

MrDog:

Leaglly speaking, it did occur on Japanese soil.

I don't understand what you mean by 'legally speaking.' Both Shonanmaru and Sea Shepherd were out in the Antarctic Ocean-- thousands of miles away from Japan, at the time of incident on February 11.

amerijap - Leaglly speaking, it did occur on Japanese soil.

I don't understand what you mean by 'legally speaking.' Both Shonanmaru and Sea Shepherd were out in the Antarctic Ocean-- thousands of miles away from Japan, at the time of incident on February 11.

Because the collision took place in international waters, which is not under any nations jurisdiction, the vessels "registry" or "flag" dictates which country or countries have jurisdiction over the incident. The SM2 is registered in Japan and would be considered Japanese soil for "legal" purposes. The AG was registered in New Zealand and would be considered NZ soil.

It's a long established maritime law.

yelspat give it up. Look at the SM2 video looking down at the AG. You can't miss the propwash moments before impact confirming that the AG accelerated forward. Maybe you'd like to explain why the ady gil, a vessel immensely faster than the SM2 sat idle as the SM2 approached from a distance. Perhaps you can explain my Bethune and crew sat on deck watching the SM2 approach laughing like retarded high school kids rather than moving away. This topic is old and boring.

Delusional or paid. But good to see you are looking at the same video "sat on deck watching", "moments before impact".

The Ady Gil was not engaging the security ship. They were idling with the crew on deck - not down where the controls are. Mr chicken-st security ship ran them down while they were stationary. Yes I do accept mere incompetence to some degree by the Security ship - but he's the one that put both ships in that position - and then he couldn't get out of it.

He should be held accountable.

amerijap at 10:09 AM JST - 13th July MrDog: Leaglly speaking, it did occur on Japanese soil

It just depends what "it" is. The collision occurred in international waters. There is no jurisdiction.

Peter Bethune's trespassed on a Japanese registered vessel so Japanese jurisdiction (it's great at first when they tell him to go away and try to close the door - where did they think he was going to go?). Is also how come his knife changed into a sword when he moved from one vessel to the other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU5s2hJA95k

arrestpaul - Pete wasn't charged with being involved in another collision at sea.

Now - why didn't they charge him with that???? Then Captain Bates could have put in an appearance and explained his actions in court, experts could have analysed the incident, and the GPS data could be made public.

Oh.

Now - why didn't they charge him with that?

Sometimes what people don't do says a lot more than what they do do.

yelspal at 10:43 AM JST - 13th July The Ady Gil was not engaging the security ship. They were idling with >the crew on deck - not down where the controls are. Mr chicken-st >security ship ran them down while they were stationary.

They were engaing the mother ship preior to moving away and sitting in idle. The SM2's job is to chase them away. It approached the AG with water canons to force the AG to move away (further from the whaking fleet). THey didn't expect that the AG would suddenly put it;s throttles forward in a path crossing it;s bow, End of story.

Yes I do accept mere incompetence to some degree by the Security ship - >but he's the one that put both ships in that position - and then he >couldn't get out of it.

No, the AG put itself in that position by being there comndiucting interference and harassmemnt operations. THe AG wasn;t even fit to be in antarctic waters.

He should be held accountable.

Write a strong letter.

yelspal - Now why didn't they charge him with that????

For what, scratching the paint on the bow of the SM2? Not even worth the effort. Have you talked to the NZ authorities about charging someone? Oh, wait a minute, they seem to have passed on that option.

yelspal - They were idling with the crew on deck - not down where the controls are. Mr chicken-st security ship ran them down while they were stationary.

And yet someone managed to push the throttles farther forward. Amazing. Video of the cavitation trails shows that the AG was NOT stationary no matter how many times you say it.

It approached the AG with water canons to force the AG to move away (further from the whaking fleet).

Well - glad you're not pretending Security wasn't the aggressor any more. Wondering where that whaling fleet is though. It's not in any of the videos. The SSCS have the same right to be in the Antarctic as the whalers and the Ady Gil is obviously nowhere near a fleet of whalers. So just an act of intimidation that went wrong. Violent and incompetent - a great mix for the Southern Ocean.

the cavitation trails shows that the AG was NOT stationary no matter how many times you say it.

sigh

Ossan;"the ady gil, a vessel immensely faster than the SM2 sat idle as the SM2 approached from a distance."

Glad to see you admit the Ady Gil was at idle, & it was the Shonan Maru 2 that approached from the port quarter, something that is against maritime rules, unless the master of the vessel communicates & provides his intentions & course to the stand to vessel,(the Ady Gil). So are you saying the captain of the Shonan Maru 2 complied with maritime rules on this?

"They were engaing the mother ship preior to moving away and sitting in idle. The SM2's job is to chase them away. It approached the AG with water canons to force the AG to move away (further from the whaking fleet)."

Glad to see you admit the Shonan Maru 2 changed course to intercept the Ady Gil, despite the fact the whaling fleet had passed. So now you admit the SM2 changed course & ran down the AG, from a position that is ILLEGAL in maritime laws, thus making the master of the SM2, crazy Komura culpable for the collision. & if he just wanted them to move away from the J-fleet why go after the AG, seeing that the Bob Barker was actually closer to the J-fleet, so if its job was to protect the fleet then the Bob Barker would have been of greater concern, yes?

Ossan;"They were engaing the mother ship preior to moving away and sitting in idle. The SM2's job is to chase them away. It approached the AG with water canons to force the AG to move away (further from the whaking fleet)."

But they were approaching from the rear, with the fleet ahead, so from this angle they would have chased the AG towards the J-fleet.

& as for vessels not up to standard for Antarctic waters;"A vital vessel to the Japanese whaling fleet may be barred from the Antarctic as the United Nations International Maritime Organization tightens shipping regulations.

The Nisshin Maru doesn't meet three safety measures that will apply to Antarctic waters, according to an investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald. The new rules ban the whaling ship’s heavy fuel oil, require doubled hull strength instead of the ship's single hull, and will further forbid vessels from dumping thousands of tons of debris at sea."

http://www.takepart.com/news/2009/07/20/new-imo-rules-may-force-japanese-whalers-out

"The Nisshin Maru lacks the ice strength and hull construction of most boats in polar waters. Cruise reports submitted to the International Whaling Commission by the Institute of Cetacean Research show the ship routinely travels through icebergs and loose pack ice."

the cavitation trails shows that the AG was NOT stationary no matter how many times you say it.

Arrestpaul - I am typing this slowly for you. Boats need to be be moving fast enough to get steerage before they can manoeuvre at all. At no time did AD have anywhere near enough speed on to do anything about what happened.

The video is not ambiguous.

I have considered that I've owned boats for years so perhaps it is not so obvious to other people. So I pretended I lived up a mountain under a rock and had never seen a boat. And had another look.

Nup - it is still a video of a big boat running down a little one. It tries to get away - but doesn't get anywhere near succeeding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbuq0YEIPNU

The second part of common sense v1.0. Nobody would deliberately drive a small boat under a big one in the Southern Ocean anyway. Not SS, and certainly not Peter Bethune. It is suicide. It was nearly murder.

You keep calling them "mad". However, it is ridiculous, as in to be ridiculed, to propound that Peter and his crew deliberately drove their cockle shell under a steel boat - by cunningly not moving - because they were all insane.

THey didn't expect that the AG would suddenly put it;s throttles forward in a path crossing it;s bow

Funny, I'm sure Japan first put out the story that the AG 'suddenly slowed down' in front of the SM2, and that's why there was a collision. The icr list of complaints only goes back as far as February, so I can't check......but I'm pretty sure that's what they were claiming.

cleo

Doesn't it even come up on the "wayback machine"?

Glenn Inwood, the spokesman for the Institute of Cetacean Research, said his information was the Ady Gil was idling in the water and then went ‘‘full steam ahead’’ to cut off Shonan Maru No.2.

Heda Madness;"Glenn Inwood, the spokesman for the Institute of Cetacean Research, said his information was the Ady Gil was idling in the water and then went ‘‘full steam ahead’’ to cut off Shonan Maru No.2."

Glenn Inwood at the 'institute of lies' also claimed to be part of the NZ government when he booked illegal spy flights out of Australia. He is paid to lie & make good press for the ICR, by the way Ossan has stated Glenn is not a spokesperson for the Shonan Maru 2 as it is a JCG vessel, not a whaling vessel.

The "full steam ahead" you speak of is at the very last fraction of a second, by that point the collision was inevitable. & as the Ady Gil accelerated the Shonan Maru 2 then changed course again to make sure of the kill. It can be clearly seen in the video from the Bob Barker.

Heda_Madness at 05:12 PM JST - 13th July Glenn Inwood, the spokesman for the Institute of Cetacean Research, said his information was the Ady Gil was idling in the water and then went ‘‘full steam ahead’’ to cut off Shonan Maru No.2.

Glenn Inwood is a PR hack for whalers and tabacco. He's also the guy that lied to the aircraft firm in Tassie telling them he was trying to locate the SSCS by air on behalf of the NZ government. You might as well quote the guy on the harpoon - except you'd get a straighter answer.

What it does prove is that the icr have always accepted that the AG was sitting idle before the incident. Which is different to what Cleo had believed.

Heda Madness;"What it does prove is that the icr have always accepted that the AG was sitting idle before the incident."

It proves the Shonan Maru 2 was the vessel to approach the Ady Gil, & breaking maritime laws to do so as the Ady Gil had right of way, approaching a vessel from her port quarter without providing informtion, & not navigating safely. Therefore the SM2 needed to give way, & a wide berth, eg safe navigation. So by breaking all these rule & a collision occurs that makes the master of the SM2 culpable for the collision, & therefore should loose his ticket & face court for the destruction of another vessel. I am sure if SSCS sank a Japanese vessel, breaking maritime laws to do so we would see Japan jumping up & down to see justice done, so it should also be the other way.

If it proved all of that then the Australian inquiry would have found the skipper of the sm2 responsible. But they didn't.

Just to repeat my post was in direct response to cleo and I wanted to clear up her confusion.

Heda Madness:"What it does prove is that the icr have always accepted that the AG was sitting idle before the incident."

Then if the Ady Gil was at idle, & the Shonan Maru 2 made a parallel course, & did not change it, then how did the collision occur Heda?

& if crazy Komura is totally innocent of doing any thing wrong, & the collision was the fault of the Ady Gil giving all evidence to the indepenant AMSA inquiry would have proved this to the rest of the world, would it not? By refusing to co-operate not only made the inquiry pointless, it also showed Komuras guilt, just as a guilty party does not take the stand at their own trial for fear that their own evidence will prove their guilt.

OK, found it - I was sure I'd read it somewhere. The icr can delete their own reports, but it seems they can't persuade/bribe/intimidate The Times to do the same.

The Japanese sailors said the collision was caused by the Ady Gil, which they said slowed down as it was cutting across their bow, making it impossible for them to change direction in time.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6977316.ece

The report also says -

Video footage of the incident, shot from the Japanese vessel and released by a pro-whaling organisation, appears to support the environmentalists’ version of events. In it, the Ady Gil can be seen almost at a standstill to the right of the Japanese vessel, which appears to alter course in its direction, while firing on it with a high-pressure hose. As the larger ship looms over it, the crew of the trimaran — clearly not expecting an impact — scramble into the open back of the boat.

Didn't think I'd gotten it wrong.

That article was written after the quote from Glen Inglewood was given. Which suggests that the author of the Times report made a mistake or didn't check his facts or simply read them on here.

The official word from the ICR was that the AG was at a standstill.

That article was written after the quote from Glen Inglewood was given. Which suggests that the author of the Times report made a mistake or didn't check his facts

Glen Inwood has more credibility than The Times??? lol

How about The Guardian, then -

The fisheries agency said the collision happened when the Ady Gil ignored warnings and suddenly slowed down as it crossed front of the Shonan Maru....The Institute of Cetacean Research, a government-funded body which organises the culls, said the Ady Gil had come "within collision distance" of a whaler's bow and had dangled a rope, which could have entangled the whaling ship's rudder and propeller, in the water. The whalers reportedly responded by firing high-powered hoses to keep the Sea Shepherd vessel away..

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jan/06/anti-whaling-japan-ady-gill

Or the Japan Times -

The Japanese Fisheries Agency blamed the collision on Sea Shepherd, saying the Shonan Maru No. 2 crew had tried to ward off the approaching Ady Gil with water cannon but the antiwhaling vessel employed maneuvers such as suddenly reducing speed, which resulted in the collision.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100106x2.html

Maybe at first the icr and the fisheries agency were dim enough to think that theirs would be the only video available. It's obvious from the three videos that the Ady Gil was not approaching the SM2, did not come 'within collision distance' of any boat and was not dangling any ropes, and whoever was steering the SM2 didn't understand that you don't keep another vessel away by charging up at it from behind at full speed. And the Japanese did not admit from the start that the AG was idling - they said it was 'approaching' and 'suddenly reduced speed' - how does an idling boat reduce speed?

It's a direct quote from the PR person for the ICR that is given BEFORE the Times piece was written. The Times piece also has no quotes. So given that he's already stated the ICR's view before the Times article has been written (never mind before Richard Lloyd Parry had time to contact anyone at the ICR) then yes, he does have more credibility.

Just to repeat:

Glenn Inwood, the spokesman for the Institute of Cetacean Research, said his information was the Ady Gil was idling in the water and then went ‘‘full steam ahead’’ to cut off Shonan Maru No.2.

He says the boat was idle. And they then went full steam ahead. Something backed up by the videos.

Anything else is pure conjecture unless you can find a quote from someone. And not an opinion.

The Guardian article is dated Jan 6th, and quotes the icr. Respected newspapers trump PR lackeys when it comes to credibility.

The icr says the AG 'came within collision distance', which does not tally with Inwood's statement.

Heda Madness;"The official word from the ICR was that the AG was at a standstill."

But I thought the AG raced in front of, then slowed in collision course with the SM2? The ICR video states the AG was moving in front of the SM2, as documented in the video they released, then pulled from YouTube, stating cavitation behind the AG? Well this is the report the ICR has been promoting? While as Ossan states the master of the SM2,(as stated by the ICR), held a parallel course with the AG, therefore if the AG accelerated at the last minute their courses would have been parallel & accelerated beside it & NOT collided???

Oh & Heda once again if a vessel is approaching another from the port quarter it is the responsability of the master of the overtaking vessel to communicate the position & intentions of the vessel to the stand to vessel,(vessel with right of way, Ady Gil), further more it is then the responsability of the master of the vessel of the overtaking vessel to keep to course, & pass at a safe distance. Are you now saying the master of the Shonan Maru 2 gave these co-ordinates but then changed course, or are you saying crazy Komura ignored all maritime laws & deliberately rammed & sank the Ady Gil?

KeikoTokyo at 02:06 PM JST - 12th July You have stated the Shonan Maru 2 turned to port just before the >collision, did you draw that conclusion from the listing to starboard of >the Shonan Maru 2?

Please show me where I ever said that.

KeikoTokyo at 03:36 PM JST - 13th July Ossan;"They were engaing the mother ship preior to moving away and >sitting in idle. The SM2's job is to chase them away. It approached the >AG with water canons to force the AG to move away (further from the whaking fleet)."

But they were approaching from the rear, with the fleet ahead, so from >this angle they would have chased the AG towards the J-fleet.

Nonsense. No video shows the position of the whaing fleet.

Ossan;"Nonsense. No video shows the position of the whaing fleet"

By your own statement the fleet had passed the AG, therefore chasing from behind would drive them to the fleet, NOT away.

KeikoTokyo at 01:24 AM JST - 14th July Ossan;"Nonsense. No video shows the position of the whaing fleet" By your own statement the fleet had passed the AG, therefore chasing >from behind would drive them to the fleet, NOT away.

This may come as news to you but the open sea is not a road with two directions. No video regarding the AG/SM2 collision taken by anyone shows the position of the whaling fleet. If you disagree please post a link to it.

Ossan"It approached the >AG with water canons to force the AG to move away (further from the whaking fleet)."

Just for a start, so therefore turned to approach the Ady Gil.

KeikoTokyo at 01:58 AM JST - 14th July Ossan"It approached the >AG with water canons to force the AG to move >away (further from the whaking fleet)." Just for a start, so therefore turned to approach the Ady Gil.

Of course it approached the AG, that's on all the videos. What the SS videos don't show is the harrassment operation, attempting to entangle the prop with ropes, that the AG was conducting on the whaling fleet prior to moving away and sitting idle. And it certaibly wasn't VERY far away since you can see the SM2 approaching.

Of course it approached the AG, that's on all the videos. What the SS videos don't show is the harrassment operation, attempting to entangle the prop with ropes, that the AG was conducting on the whaling fleet prior to moving away and sitting idle. And it certaibly wasn't VERY far away since you can see the SM2 approaching.

Yes - he clearly had motive. Charge him.

yelspal at 08:08 AM JST - 14th July Of course it approached the AG, that's on all the videos. What the SS >videos don't show is the harrassment operation, attempting to entangle >the prop with ropes, that the AG was conducting on the whaling fleet >prior to moving away and sitting idle. And it certaibly wasn't VERY far >away since you can see the SM2 approaching.

Yes - he clearly had motive. Charge him.

Go ahead and tell Petey to do so, since he's not bright enough to have thought of filing an action against the Master of the SM2. He prefered to act like a child and climb onboard and play pirate instead.

Yes - noted this little bandwagon last few days. But I'm sure there's time.

yelspal - Yes - he clearly had motive. Charge him.

You'll probably have to do charge him yourself. Watson, his SS and Bethune can't seem to get anyone one to listen to them with the flimsy evidence that they have.

This is one of the differences between Japan and other countries. If an incident like this occurred to an Australian government-owned ship there would be an exhaustive investigation. Full stop.

The notion concealing pertinent data from other country's authorities also investigating the incident would be ludicrous.

It is a different mind-set - and one that allows too much autonomy to vested interests. Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha are writing cheques that sooner or later the Japanese government is not going to want to cash.

yelspal - This is one of the differences between Japan and other countries. If an incident like this occurred to an Australian government-owned ship there would be an exhaustive investigation. Full stop.

Of course there would be an exhaustive investigation, most Australian government-owned ships belong to the Royal Navy.

ram from usa. pete should have gotten some jail time and pay for the damage he did when he turned the ady gil into the their ship

thatjeepguy also from usa... Ram1959r where do you see the ady gil turning into the SM2??? they clearly were at idle and "chilling" on the outside of the boat but still they can turn into the SM2??... while video shows and proves no movement, no wake, no whitecaps forming from the boat without propulsion, yet the SM2 is moving ever closer to a boat considerably smaller in size and clearly travelling with disregard for the weaker ship and its not their fault?.....

Aaah, another poster that claims to have "The smoking Gun" video that no investigation has seen before.

Yet, no-one can answer why since the "Smoking Gun" Video exists that the SSCS has NOT filed a claim yet and the investigations so far have been "Inconclusive".

ThatJeepGuy - where do you see the ady gil turning into the SM2??? they clearly were at idle and "chilling" on the outside of the boat but still they can turn into the SM2??... while video shows and proves no movement, no wake, no whitecaps forming from the boat without propulsion, yet the SM2 is moving ever closer to a boat considerably smaller in size and clearly travelling with disregard for the weaker ship and its not their fault?.....

You must be looking at the wrong video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxYxdkXlimk&feature=related

well i guess this leads to ask just one question..... why would a man who had spent years of his life and a considerable amount of cash purposely let his boat get smashed by another ship..... why would he direct his ship in the path of a bigger stronger vessel knowing that his boat would be destroyed.... you don't need to be a genius to know that a full size steel ship will demolish a small, light-weight, carbon-fiber/Kevlar boat. So what could/would be PB's motive behind purposely steering his boat into the SM2???

You'll have to ask the clown that was at the helm of the AG. Madman Pete was sitting on the stern, gloating about how he had spent the day harrassing and attacking the whalers.

Pete the pirate no longer owned the toy boat. He sold his shares of the Earthrace company to Ady Gil for 1.5 million USD.

you can clearly see that it was the whalers that hit the Ady Gil.. ITS DONE!!! and who cares if he owened the boat, or if they were talking about harrassing the whalers, or if he was drinking a margarita on the beaches of Mexico??.. the whalers are trying to make a buck off of killing whales that are going extinct.. HELLO??? did you hear the word Extinct??? maybe if the Sea Shepherd crews upped the stakes the whalers would become extinct too!!

I simply can't wrap my brain around why anyone would comment that SS did anything wrong at all ? like Watson , there are only 77 people brave enough to donate their time , vacation days , time apart from family and friends ... to go and risk their lives in the Southern Ocean to protect whales that haven't been given nearly enough time to repoulate prior to allowing hunting again , for any reason . It has been made clear that all info can be studied by using whale fecies , all data except for age of the whales. Ady Gil was rammed while sitting idle , as far as Bethune gloating ... he can do anything he likes while sitting like a sitting duck in a plastic boat in the ocean ??????? SS hasn't harmed a soul , never intends to , only desire to make sure law is obeyed in regards to NO Whale Hunting , especially nearly extinct species . Does anyone here , Japanese or American , or any Nationality ACTUALLY enjoy watching whales die ????? Need to reevalute yourself if you do , life is too short and the world has bigger problems than needing to make a few million bucks off whale meat , ig same resources were spent by placing alternative energy resources in the ocean vs whaling , then maybe Japan would stop sucking killowatts from the grid and give back to this world and be on the cutting edge of solving a world wide dependency on oil . I think Japan would benefit greatly from positive press in regards to helping , vs simply making news for negative issues . I know the Japanese people to be proud and honorble people , this is against their character . I have admored theor work ethic and honor code for years , disappointed in a small group of them for whaling . I am not a rich man , and a single parent , and struggle financially , yet i would never sacrifice my morals , not even to become wealthy for my family , i think they admire me more for trying the honest way vs spending blood money on a new plasma .

Please, people, get off Watson's back and find a way to make a difference , make a donation of a net for an african child fighting malaryia , sponsor a starving ethiopian , donate $5 to ASPCA and save a pet . Unreal .

uncmark.

Check the SS history as to why Mr Watson and other SS members were JAILED, etc. And why are their ships bows filled with concrete, etc? Never mind 11 ships sunk as well as a fishing vessel where someone died.

Also read all the threads here where I asked why SS has filed NO charges for the AG incident when they got the "Smoking Video"(as all SS supporters here claim), same for the shooting of MR Watson himself.

As for the feces study how does it measure pollution contents in internal organs, muscular texture, etc? Still waiting for an answer 2yrs after I asked initially.

Same SS Supporters here also stated PUBLICLY that SS wants money donations and NOT Activists/Volunteers.

SS has been caught in to many incidents where their statements contradicted themselves or their actions to be taken seriously by an objective thinker.

Just my view.

I would rather see a torpedo than a bottle of butyric acid. Whales are the world's resource, not that of a bunch of fish eating Gooks.

I applaud what Pete and all the others are trying to do...and as for the video that some people say is none existent of the whaling ship hitting the Ady Gil, anyone can go to discovery channel website and pull it up and you can see the whaling vessel deliberately running into the Ady. The whalers have no respect for any form of life. I would like my children and their children's children to be able to go out into the wild and see all these beautiful creatures and not have to look at a picture to see what they look like because they were hunted and murdered to extinction....this needs to stop before we have nothing in our oceans. I will support the Sea Shepherd and all the other brave people who are trying to protect our oceans and the treasures they hold.

Ok this is total bullshit.. Japan should'nt be whaling period. The Ady Gil was clearly rammed and demolished by that boat. You can see the SM2 clearly turning right into the Ady Gil. Pete you have my respect for doing what you did. If anyone deserves jail time its whalers. They lied about ramming the Ady Gil as they lied about peace when they attacked Pearl Harbor. They're under the impression that they can do as they please and always have been. I understand men got to make a living but there is such thing as fishing shrimp, oysters and etc.) There isn't a limited supply of those creature's, whales however can go extinct due to the massive factory ship's quota and all the other whaling fleets out there that could make a living doing something else. Japanese people are'nt bad but they allow this and that is wrong. Killing whales for research is wrong. A whale is huge and taking a small blood sample would be fine leaving the whale unscathed and breathing then replacing it where it came from. I praise the Sea Shepards for their action's. 3,000+ quota for the Factory ship thats horrible. Whales deserve to live as they are a part of god's creation's. Japan stop doing whatever you want and start doing what is right.

Why would a small boat deliberately turn into a huge vessel it would be suicide. For what. Would mean nothing. Clearly the NM2 rammed the Ady Gil. Pete Bethune has an enormous pair of kahotes, going at dark by a jet ski to board a huge vessel, well that takes more than kahooties. I applaud him, he is my new hero, and the Sea Shepard.

ram1959r are u kidding me the Japanese turned into the Ady Gill almost killing him and its crew like really what logic is there in a boat 500 times smaller turning into it like come on use you're brain. And why must they kill these beautiful creatures and then try and cover it up by saying its research like come on why do you need to kill them wtf.

this is all total BS , i'm sorry but doesn't Japan check mercury levels before they sell any of these dolphins or whale meat?i didnt realize how self centered they were until i started seeing the damage their doing to them... so sad dolphins arent pests!i watched the video's and see the ady gil rammed/destroyed.. i'm guessing ram1959r was watching the clip in reverse <advices ram1959r to check his video recorder settings, dont get me wrong , i love japan and its people but this so called research has yet to be documented.. save the whales!cheers to Pete what a guy!! he's my hero for standing up for what he believes in and did japan ever pay him for the damage they caused? just curious...

GO AHEAD KILL & EAT Whales & Dolphins! Maybe it will teach them when there children are so FULL of MERCURY & cant spell DOLPHIN or WHALE they WILL get what THEY DESERVE! WHAT THEY HAVE DONE! Serve it up! I SAY LET IT ON THE school MENU! Go ahead EAT UP! Lets SEE what the FUTURE holds for JAPAN! G-D willing their children will be able to walk in a line and hold hands WHILE PROPTESTING for themselves!

This season of whale wars did a fair job showing both sides even using clips and Japanese audio and video footage. No matter how anyone thinks Captain Pete Bethune's ship was destroyed by the Japanese and he served a brave act trying to find justice only to face 5 months in prison. http://www.earthrace.net/

Pete Bethune the Japan government is a very "self-centered" government.. That is a fact. They have an attitude they can do what they want to anything they want for as long as they want. The fact they found you quilty for harming a crewmen, but refuses to take the responsibility for their actions; like PURPOSELY RUNNING DOWN.... Not surprising.. As I sat here in the safety of my home and realized your boat was adrift I found myself YELLING at you all " For Gods sake don't trust that ---- captian of the Japense boat, he will run you over." I am so glad they didn't kill you all. That's not far from their thoughts. They also know it would start a small war if they did kill you all. Your reunited with family as all of the crew; Have a woundful christmas and a fruitfull new year.