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© 2012 AFPSea Shepherd defiant over U.S. court order to stay away from Japanese whalers
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some14some
election victory gift to Abe (!)
BoredToTears
Sink the pirates if they close within 500 yards!
Takumi Saito
Good for Japan.
KariHaruka
Good! About time something was done to stop them endangering lives at sea. If you want to protest go ahead however endearing lives at sea is inexcusable.
SquidBert
So this would apply to US territorial waters?
888naff
Since when have they cared about laws and other people's rights if it doesn't agree with their opinions that think greater than anyone else that they break many laws in the past, be violent and generally just obnoxious.
I'm sure we will have to just put up with them for some more time for the tantrum to pass like the worst unworldly wise small town spoilt teenager.
Akemi Mokoto
GREAT MOVE! Those terrorist are becoming a pest. Wales are meant to be eaten. If they weren't, why did god make them so delicious? I think the UN should ban them from going after the Japanese whalers once and for all.
PS: The US does have Universal jurisdiction in international water.
nath
Paul Watson did not " jump" bail,he was created the right citcumstances to do so by German law-enforcement becase they did not want any involvement in a political issue between pro and anti-whalers.and FYI,anti-whaler support is pretty high in Europe..
littlebear
The only thing the US has said, is what side they're on and that if they break this injunction then if they are in the flag state of the USA they will be arrested. In international waters or 'high seas' they are in free waters. Only piracy is subject to special persecution.
YuriOtani
Akemi you like whale? It is like disgusting was forced fed it as a kid.
So what gives that American court the right to make such a ruling? Non American ships in international water, their arrogance is beyond all belief!
OssanAmerica
Correct. But the US court has the power to issue arrest warrants for Contempt of Court. Not a nice thing to have floating around when SSCS is headquarted in Washington State. You can bet alot of video will taken and Sea Sheperds attacks all documented.
alliswellinjapan
Good to know everyone is sticking to law and order. Regardless of cause or own beliefs terrorist activities should never be tolerated. Funding for SS is better spent for lobbying or PR for cut in related subsidies which is more in line with Japan's national interest rather than attacks in dangerous waters or criticism of entire country.
OssanAmerica
You prefer Irabu and Mimiga??
The word is Jurisdiction. SSCS is an organization existing under the laws of the State of Washington, which happens to be in the United States.The flags of the ships are irrelevant, the injuctive order pertains to the members of SSCS. The only arrogance is that of the eco-terrorust Sea Shepherd organization who believe they are above the las of any country, starting with the fat fugitive wanted by Interpol leader.
http://www.interpol.int/Wanted-Persons/(wanted_id)/2012-306798
SquidBert
I wonder if it would be possible to use sounds (similar to mid,low-frequency navy sonar) to warn the whales off, rather than engaging with the whaling ships? Just be careful not to beach the whales.
That should make everyone happy, right?
smithinjapan
And what is the US going to do about it? Last I heard SS wasn't stopping Japanese whalers in US waters.
Probie
No. Because that wouldn't make good TV, and that is all that Watson is concerned about= getting his fat face on TV.
SquidBert
Btw, I predict a JT poll on whaling issues within the next couple of days.
taj
True. But would this mean that Animal Planet (and whomever owns them) could be held liable for providing financial aid, if SS breaches the order? Are they still making that Whale Wars show? Their raw footage would make for a treasure trove of evidence, if they are still filming.
Does SS have any legal status in the US? Are they a registered Charity, for instance? Would they risk losing tax-deductable status for donation?
Sorry if those questions have been address above. I'll read the thread a bit later.
Outta here
Completely meaningless decision by the court. Since when does a US court have jurisdiction on events that take place in international waters. I say SS should take about as much notice of this court decision as the Japanese whalers take of the Australian federal court ruling banning them from whaling in the southern ocean.
Craft Ledger
BoredToTears - "Sink the pirates if they close within 500 yards!" .... Sink the Japanese Whaling ships outside the 500 yards - for illegally hunting whales!
Disillusioned
This order is not worth the paper it is written on. It is like New Zealand telling Siria to stop fighting. Of course, SS will ignore this order. It will be interesting to see how Japan reacts if the international court votes in favor or Australia.
John S. Whitford
Yeah, that's gonna work
mtwildman
@HariHaruka...the lives endangered at sea are the whales...if whalers get in trouble due to folks trying to save whale lives so be it...when you cross a line be prepared for consequences.
SamuraiBlue
If SS is a US registered organization and found guilty then I believe the Japanese Government can make request to force compensation from SS through freezing asset within the US related financial institutions.
Outta here
SamuraiBlue
That would be a very slippery road indeed. Given that every year the Japanese are in breach of the Australian Federal court ruling regarding their whaling activities lm not sure that would be the road best taken. Just incase someone starts demanding reparations from the Japanese in regards to their breach of Australian law. Oh how l would love my government to grow a spine and seize the Japanese whaling fleet for these breaches. Now that would end your little whaling adventures for some time now wouldnt it???
aisai
mtwildmanDec. 19, 2012 - 10:12AM JST @HariHaruka...the lives endangered at sea are the whales...if whalers get in trouble due to folks trying to save whale lives so be it...when you cross a line be prepared for consequences.
Yes, but it also goes both ways. If some activist happens to get hurt or even dies trying to save these whale then that's just the way the ball bounces. The problem with trying rationalize violence the way you are attempting to do is that things can quickly spin beyond the control of either side. I'm not a fan of whaling, but if the whalers (with the support of the Japanese government) really started to up the ante, the activists wouldn't stand a chance. Right now, theactivists get away with what they are doing simply because they know that the whalers have much more to lose if things really get out of hand. Once the whalers (or the Japanese government) now longer feel that way, then activist's activities will pretty much be over immediately.
Sure the French got lots of heat for the Rainbow Warrior, but after 30+ years France is still around, the agents involved served minimal prison time, minor compensation was paid, and the case has pretty much been closed. However, the photographer killed during the sinking is still dead and his daughter is still looking for answers as to why.
m6bob
Victory for right over wrong & rule of law prevails. Also, there is this matter of fugitive Paul Watson. An arrest-on-sight order should be have been issued. I will be licking my lips at the prospect of whale sashimi soon!
aisai
The 9th Circuit realizes that the Watson and his crew can pretty much ignore this ruling at will. Of course, the judges involved know this. It has nothing to do with being arrogant.
This injunction is just telling the SSCS that if you or anyone affiliated with you violate this injunction and we catch you in an area where US law applies, then you will have to face the consequences. It's not so much an attempt to directly stop Watson's activities as it is an attempt to discourage any American citizens or American businesses from supporting them finacially or otherwise. SSCS has been put on notice (pending appeal) that their ability to operate in areas under US control has just been severely restricted. Of course, other countries around the world can just ignore it, and the SSCS can jsut pack their bags and move their headquarters some place else. The 9th District knows all that.
smithinjapan
SamuraiBlue: "If SS is a US registered organization and found guilty then I believe the Japanese Government can make request to force compensation from SS through freezing asset within the US related financial institutions."
Why ask for compensation when the government can just take money out of the mouths of victims in the north for the sake of whaling?
ebisen
Zichi - US can now order the arrest of sea shepherd members as soon as they return in US waters, if their ships are caught breaking this new rule. I don't side with anyone here, but just fyi.
YuriOtani
aisai this is why the USA is in trouble around the world, extreme arrogance.
aisai
YuriOtaniDec. 19, 2012 - 11:21AM JST aisai this is why the USA is in trouble around the world, extreme arrogance.
This injunction has nothing to do with arrogance. All it says it that if you want to play on the US's court then you have to play by the US's rules. This injunction is primarily meant to discourage Americans and American businesses from financially supporting the activities of the SSCS. If the US government or any other government around the world really wanted to elminate Watson, et al as a problem because he was considered a real threat, it would have been done a long time ago. This just an attempt to make the SSCS's lives a little more difficult by taking away any safe haven they might have had within the US or it's territories.
YuriOtani
There is no legal justification for the court to make a ruling. Their authority is limited to within the USA. A Japanese court would have more authority since the whalers ships are Japanese. Why does a Japanese court issue this ruling? Why go to the USA?
Outta here
aisai
Actually it has everything to do with arrogance. What right does the US courts have to say what someone or some group can do in international waters thousands of kilometers from the nearest US territory.
I really wonder what would have happened if the Judge had have ordered the Japanese to stop their whaling until the court case was resolved? Would the Japanese have listened? Doubtful....
And given that the SS vessels should stay 500 meters from the Japanese how about the Japanese. WHat about them chasing and tailing SS vessels into foreign territorial waters? Thats ok is it?
Just save all the issues and sink the Japanese vessels once and for all. Make everyones life a lot easier.
basroil
Outta hereDec. 19, 2012 - 10:46AM JST
They can't pass judgement over fishing done in international waters outside the economic zone, which the Japanese ships, manned by only Japanese citizens, always are in. If the Japanese ships were to dock in Australia with the whales onboard, it might be different due to import laws, their actions are not in breach of Australian laws that can be enforced.
And I guess you also forgot that Sea Shepard is in violation of the laws of Australia and NZ as well.
aisaiDec. 19, 2012 - 11:02AM JST
In the case of US citizens, the law applies worldwide. Watson himself isn't a US citizen (canadian), but there are likely plenty of members of those ships that are. While I doubt the crew would care about being charged for breaking the law, since few if any eco-terrorists do, it might discourage young, hot-headed kids from joining (or at least make their parents angry enough to make a difference)
Yes, as well as to leave legal groundwork to strip them of tax-exempt status once and for all.
nandakandamanda
What's 500 yards in meters?
Outta here
Simple solution to this issue. SS sells the vessels to another "company" and they operate under the new "companies" name. Problem solved. SS can then say their ships didnt participate......
nandakandamanda
If your 500 yard rope fouls the propellor of a whaling ship, oops, does that count?
SquidBert
457.2
aisai
zichiDec. 19, 2012 - 11:25AM JST So according to the ruling, if a whaling ship was sinking and a Sea Shepherd ship went to the rescue, the crew would be arrested when they entered American waters?
If their actions somehow were responsible for the sinking then most likely yes. If it was purely a rescue effort on their part then possibly no. They could, however, possibly be arrested if their were any outstanding warrents or whatever for matters unrelated to the sinking though. Most likely the crew of the Sea Shephard would take all of this into account when deciding whose waters to enter.
aisai
YuriOtaniDec. 19, 2012 - 11:33AM JST There is no legal justification for the court to make a ruling. Their authority is limited to within the USA. A Japanese court would have more authority since the whalers ships are Japanese. Why does a Japanese court issue this ruling? Why go to the USA?
Because that is where the SSCS's headquarters are located. If the SSCS were headquarters in Japan, then that's were the legal battle would be fought.
Outta here
basroil
Actually they can and they have. This case was tried several years ago and the Japanese lost the case. The only thing is the government has been to spineless to uphold the ruling despite numerous parties calling on them to do so. They are even that spineless that they do not seize Japanese vessels that enter our waters. Yet every year they seize numerous vessels of other nations for fishing or entering our waters illegally.
Actually if you did your research you would find that like other nations Australia bans whaling vessels from its waters. Not just vessels with whales on board but vessels involved in the activity of whaling.
And what laws would they be Basroil, please point out exactly what Australian and NZ laws SS has broken. Then please explain if they are breaching laws why do these countries host the SS vessels. Infact why has one been docked here up until it recently departed?
nandakandamanda
457.2 meters. Thanks Squidbert.
basroil
Outta hereDec. 19, 2012 - 11:47AM JST
They can't as they have no jurisdiction. The Japanese fleet is not in violation of any international maritime laws, and since they are registered in Japan, Australia can only enforce local laws in local waters (they can make a case against fishing in the economic exclusive zone, but only to the UN, and attempt to capture only in territorial waters), everything else is just fuming with no legal authority to do so.
aisai
Outta hereDec. 19, 2012 - 11:36AM JST Actually it has everything to do with arrogance. What right does the US courts have to say what someone or some group can do in international waters thousands of kilometers from the nearest US territory.
Nope nothing to do with arrogance.
I really wonder what would have happened if the Judge had have ordered the Japanese to stop their whaling until the court case was resolved? Would the Japanese have listened? Doubtful....
Nope, they probably wouldn't. Just like the SSCS doesn't have to listen if they don't want to as well.
And given that the SS vessels should stay 500 meters from the Japanese how about the Japanese. WHat about them chasing and tailing SS vessels into foreign territorial waters? Thats ok is it?
The SSCS is completely capable of trying to get a court to issue an injuction on their behalf. If this injuction is upheld, the Japanese will have no need to go within 500 metres of any of the SSCS vessels.
Just save all the issues and sink the Japanese vessels once and for all. Make everyones life a lot easier.
Whose everyone? Who do you really think is going to win if this confrontation escalates into something uber violent? The Japanese have more of everything. The activists wouldn't survive any type government sanctioned military operations against them.
Outta here
basroil
Well lm sorry but when it comes to legal issues l tend to believe the Australian Federal Court ruling over your say so.
Seiryuu_Dan
before, US seems to tolerate the Sea Shepherd, but now I'm glad about this. but would SS and Paul "Whale" Watson be arrested and return to Germany, he did break the law and is a fugitive, is he not? and all Sea Shepherd are co-conspirators, or accessory(?).
But I wonder if US would follow through, or that Interpol or German authorities would take action.
These eco-terrorists needs to be taken down.
nath
I think what they really mean to say is: "no laws apply to us, any order will be ignored"
basroil
3Deuce27Dec. 19, 2012 - 11:55AM JST
US laws apply on top of local laws for all US citizens and registered companies. They are not claiming any legal rights IN other places, rather just claiming the same restrictions their people and companies that absolutely all countries enforce.
Probie
Any agreement between Japan and America has nothing to do with Australia. The Japanese whaling fleet has broken no Australian laws.
smithinjapan
basroil: "They can't pass judgement over fishing done in international waters outside the economic zone, which the Japanese ships, manned by only Japanese citizens, always are in."
Actually, they entered French waters last time around while chasing one of the SS ships.
basroil
smithinjapanDec. 19, 2012 - 12:40PM JST
Territorial waters? Last I heard there were no intrusions into claimed waters while fishing or territorial waters without permission.
3Deuce27
Basroll
You need to read the various trade treaties(laws) applicable to treaty nations. They can, and do apply to other sovereign nations citizens civil/consumer rights/laws. Particularly, the right to sue. The treaty laws are an eye opener for those who care about civil and consumer law.
billyshears
This court action is certainly not meaningless and that's why Sea Shepherd's lawyers are "very disappointed" and have to try to overturn the decision. SS is a registered NPO in the States ( 61 Clark Road North Battle Creek, MI 49037) and any violation of any US court order would endanger that tax-free status. Any US citizens involved (or citizens of other countries that embark in the US) would be liable to prosecution if the terms of the injunction have been broken.
billyshears
And regarding Sea Shepherd's status as a non-profit/tax-exempt organization, it has been accused in the past of some shady dealings.
http://www.canadafreepress.com/2005/higgins100705.htm
Nessie
This would be relevant if the Japanse whalers were based in Australia, like Sea Shepherd is based in the U.S.
Eigen
Good on the US for doing this. I totally support this. I wish all countries would back such a move. They don't tell SS to stop all activity, just don't get physical. It'd be nice if SS can accomplish their goals without the eco-terrorism. I really won't feel bad if they lob a jar of acid onto the deck of a whaling ship and someone from that ship fires a few bullets back. ANY physical provocation is just instigation to a fight. And no matter how much of a "victim" those whiny environmentalists may claim to be, I won't be convinced it wasn't them that brought it on.
JustAGoodOleBoy
Good to hear. I had some nice whale sashimi for supper last night. Good stuff.
SquidBert
basroil wrote,
Would that be restricted to federal law? Was the injunction under federal law?
These are honest questions, I don't have enough knowledge about the US legal system in this respect.
basroil
SquidBertDec. 19, 2012 - 02:09PM JST
It seems you forgot to read the article and just skipped straight to the comments. According to the article, "The injunction was ordered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,"
That means it's a federal court and thus it is an injunction under federal laws regarding the case. For more info, check: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/uploads/rules/rules.htm
And as such, the organization and all of it's assets, including the ships regardless of port of registry, are covered by the decision of the court.
SquidBert
No I didn't but as a non American, I failed to realize that the 'Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit' was federal court.
SwissToni
Shame that the US court system would back this barbaric practice. I hope they see sense and lift the injunction. In the meantime Sea Shepherd should move funds abroad whether the decision goes their way or not.
basroil
Sea Shepard employee is making stuff up! The actual judgement was quite different (http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2008/2008-01-15-01.asp ).
Basically, it's not "Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary" covered in the judgement, rather "Australian Whale Sanctuary" which is in the fictional land called "Australian Antarctic Territory". No country has ever had internationally recognized territorial claims (only four recognize Australia's claim), and the Antarctic Treaty System prohibits claimants from establishing territorial sovereignty claims (including turning international waters into a country's "sanctuary"), and even mandates all issues be resolved at the International Court of Justice. The judgement was therefore in violation of Australian laws (at least signed treaties, which become equivalent to law), and unenforceable throughout the world.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 19, 2012 - 03:24PM JST
The only thing "barbaric" is that people support eco-terrorists. The US has a mandate to not allow any terrorists, and that's why the group was forbidden from getting close enough to commit acts of violence.
The US supports actions to promote wildlife conservation, including an end to all whaling and killing of dolphins as well, but they understand violence is not the right way. I don't think anyone is against an end to whaling, just the methods these eco-terrorists use.
JanesBlonde
The thing is, the whole SS movement is growing every year.
First 1 ship, then 2 and now 3.
If the whaling continues the SS fleet will just continue to grow.
The movement is bigger than Paul Watson. If he is ever arrested, there will be another 10 Paul Watson's waiting to take his place.
At some point the old men running this whaling scam will come to the realisation that their time has past. They already have huge stock piles of frozen whale that they cannot sell to Japanese consumers.
Surely the government has better places to spend (give) tax payers money to like reconstruction and rehousing up north.
Oh hold on, we are taking about the Japanese government and Japanese big business ... so I guess not.
minello7
I think the US court ruling would only apply A/ if any of the vessels are registered in the US or B/ if any of the crew are US citizens. They do not have jurisdiction in international waters, unless in a case of piracy. (piracy-the act of robbery on the high seas.) So unless the SS is accused of robbing the Japanese of the whales,The courts ruling is totally useless.
CrisGerSan
I am glad the US courts are supporting the law correctly . Cowboy pirating may be popular in movies and anime but it has no place on the real seas. The whales can take their chances along with all other forms of life, that is evolution. And it is Japanese fishtermen's right to harvest the sea just as do the US fishermen who trawl for fish and crabs and are promoted on TV. No difference, and there should be no illegal attacking of anyone at sea under the guise of pseudo liberalism and militant conservation. Such lawless action just encourages more disregard for the agreed on law of the sea.
Nessie
The court's job is to interpret that law, not make it.
basroil
minello7Dec. 19, 2012 - 04:12PM JST
It can also apply to organizations based in the US (or the US branch if it is based somewhere else) and all assets of the US based organization. In this case, Sea Shepard is entirely based in the USA and thus the organization and all of it's assets are liable under the ruling.
There are plenty of other rules and regulations they do fall under that can be tried on international court level (cutting of fishing lines, etc), but this ruling is enforceable worldwide due to the fact it is a US based organization, not because of any individual "employees" or port of registry for ships. .
okillbegoodthistime
basroil, do you have anything to say about the really good points you've not yet addressed? I would be interested to hear.
ihope2eatwhales
SwissToni,
The court case is to prevent attacks by ships. It is not a court case related to whaling.
No one believes US supports Japanese whaling activities. However, this does not automatically mean US courts must condone violence against whaling activities, or take no action against it.
It would be quite terrible court system if it did that. I suppose in Holland or Australia, such may be the case. Japan can count on the US to behave normally.
So American based eco-terror organization may continue attacks of other ships on high seas? I do not think your comment is rational.
They should respect the law, rather than try to evade it.
Now we eagerly await ICJ court case decision for Australia and New Zealand against Japan. It is clearer all the time that whaling is just and legal. I also found Iceland's whale meat in my shopping center now. It is great news.
KariHaruka
Spell my name correctly.... KARI. KariHaruka..
You cannot justify murder. If your defense in court was 'well I was saving the whales' I hope you enjoy the taste of prison food. These people have families and for some that's the only way of getting income to support these families and you'd want to take the children's father away from them?
If Sea Shepherd want to protest whaling then they need to do it in a more peaceful manner because attempting to endanger lives at sea isn't the right way to go about it.
aisai
JanesBlondeDec. 19, 2012 - 03:58PM JST The thing is, the whole SS movement is growing every year. First 1 ship, then 2 and now 3. If the whaling continues the SS fleet will just continue to grow.
I would guess that the whaling industry is capable of building more than one whaling ship per year. So, if the activists are planning on winning by having more ships, they will lose. Makes no difference how big the SS fleet gets, they will never out number those of their opponents. And, every single ship they have knocked out of commission will be felt many more times over than any whaling vessel sunk or damaged.
The movement is bigger than Paul Watson. If he is ever arrested, there will be another 10 Paul Watson's waiting to take his place.
Have you added your name to that list? If not then what are you waiting for? I have no doubt that their are people willing to step in a replace Mr. Watson if needed. But, once again this is a numbers battle that cannot be won.
basroil
okillbegoodthistimeDec. 19, 2012 - 04:38PM JST
I'de be interested to see a good point, let alone multiple points on why the legally valid, and morally necessary verdict against Sea Shepard is wrong. If you have some points, feel free to share, but I have yet to see a single anti-verdict statement that has anything to do with the verdict.
aisai
At some point the old men running this whaling scam will come to the realisation that their time has past. They already have huge stock piles of frozen whale that they cannot sell to Japanese consumers.
There are plenty of farmers in the US producing stuff that never reach consumer markets. Lots of it just sits in warehouses rotting away so that prices can be artificially maintained at a unnaturally high level. These farmers just keep producing 'cause they keep getting paid. They don't care who pays them. They only care how much they get. Commercial whaling will cease to exist the minute it no longer becomes profitable. As long as these companies are able to make their money, they will continue their activities. Makes no difference whether whale meat they produce is sold or not. If they still get paid for their catch, they will still hunt whales.
Surely the government has better places to spend (give) tax payers money to like reconstruction and rehousing up north.
Yes they do which is why this is where the battle needs to be fought. This is where the environmentalists should focus their energy. This is the only place that real change can be achieved.
Heda_Madness
Quite a lot of interesting views on this subject ranging from it doesn't matter (SS disagree) to the US has no rights (US legal department and the SS disagree) and the US is wrong to prevent people from throwing glass bottles at people's heads.
From my university studies I know enough about the IWC and whaling to form an opinion. I didn't study law and especially international law so I know nothing of US laws and how they effect the international waters/international laws but thankfully there are so many people on this board who are more knowledgeable on the subject than lawyers and judges.
SwissToni
Ihope2eatwhales, "The court case is to prevent attacks by ships. It is not a court case related to whaling."
So a court case where the plaintiffs are whalers and the defendants are whale protesters is not about whaling? Pull the other one fella it's got bells on!
As far as I can tell, the injunction is there to allow time for the appeal to be heard. Whatever tactic the whalers use to scrape a bit of space to conduct their work is simply that, a tactic, a ploy if you like. One of a long line of ploys employed for many years now. Sadly this time the court system of an anti whaling nation has been used. I hope the US sees this for what it is and provides evidence in support of New Zealand and Australia in the forthcoming case against Japan's whalers at the ICJ.
In the mean time we trust the US court system will reject the whalers appeal in a timely fashion.
ebisen
Well, if SS claims that whales are intelligent creature nobody stops them from communicating with them and explain the dangers the Japanese ships represent.
Another idea - not so stupid though - is to find means of scaring the whales away from the whalers, or to convince them to follow the SS fleet, again, away from the danger. In other words, exploit the intelligence the whales are supposed to have.
I know, I know, it is so much more easier, and looks much better on Discovery Channel if there are actual crashes and destroyed ships (in other words, the terrorist behavior is the one bringing the neo-nazi SS better coverage AND more money).
Yes, and let's also talk about the ocean pollution the SS ships and helicopters and rotten butter produces.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 19, 2012 - 05:25PM JST
Whaling is irrelevant to the court case. It's like saying this is a decision against people wearing red shits because one of the Sea Shepard guys wears red. While the parties are involved in whaling activities, the court case has to do with harassment and putting ships in danger, not with whether or not whaling is good or bad. All people have freedom from vigilante justice (in the US courts), doesn't matter if they themselves are innocent or not.
Tamarama
I hope this has no baring on the way the SS behave in chasing the Japanese whaling fleet. I hope they stick it right to them. I hope they spend bankloads of money and catch nothing.
SwissToni
Basroll if is saw someone wearing a red shit I'd advise seeing the doctor. To say this case is irrelevant to whaling is nonsense. Bringing the appeal at this time is designed specifically to hinder Sea Shepherds actions at this hunt.
ihope2eatwhales
SwissToni
Evidence of what? Does US have some information that Australia and New Zealand does not? On contrary, US criticised Australia when it made the case with ICJ. The reason is simple. It is because US knows whaling law very well. They do not have such pressure as Australia to make emotional political decision about it. They are quite mature, even as anti-whalers. For example, they would attempt in the past to stop Japanese whaling by including other fisheries rights in the negotiations. Very clever, and unfortunately Japan was not so.
Please do not have the heart attack when Australia and New Zealand lose ICJ case against Japan.
It would mean US law accepts dangerous acts at sea. Unless there is some technical problem, I can not imagine a proper court system could allow such violence, for any purpose.
ihope2eatwhales
SwissToni,
They would of course ask for injunction. The purpose is to protect safety of navigation and of course their legal activities.
I do not know why you think it is devious. It is just common sense.
SquidBert
Seems some parts cut cut off there.
point 4 .... outside the borders of your own country.
last line ..... should consider joining them.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 19, 2012 - 06:04PM JST
You do understand you're contradicting yourself right? An appeal, by definition, is made after an initial verdict. That verdict was in Feb 2012, so why does your comment make any sense when the appeal was made Oct. 9th and results not released until two and a half months later?
billyshears
You can bet on it! It has proved to be a very lucrative business for Mr. Watson. In fact, he has become rich enough to pay and then forfeit the $319,200 bail money he paid in Germany. (I wonder how much of that cash was from the hard-earned money of supporters that donated to the Sea Shepherd business?)
SwissToni
Ihope2eatwhales, thanks for thinking of my health, it shows there is a level of humanity in you. Perhaps you should focus that on persuading the whalers to find a humane killing method. It would make a change from the usual bluster and bravado but I imagine have little more effect.
"Unless there is some technical problem, I can not imagine a proper court system could allow such violence, for any purpose."
Seems to me there wouldn't be an appeal by the whalers if the US court system hadn't already rejected the whalers claims.
Basroll, in what way am I contradicting myself? The article says the US court has yet to issue its opinion on the appeal. Ihope2eatwhales even believes the timing makes good sense. The initial verdict was issued in February, why wait until October to Lodge an appeal of they aren't working the system? I believe the whalers are immoral and bestial, not stupid.
nath
First of all America, let's get international. Try meters.
Second, provide them with defenses to sink the SS should it attack with acid and other weapons of dangerous destruction.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 19, 2012 - 08:23PM JST
The claims weren't rejected, the case was dismissed on grounds of jurisdiction. That's why it was allowed to go to the appeal, which was originally filed in April 11, 2012 (http://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/12-35266/) and argued and submitted for judgement in Oct. These things take time, but not because of either party, just a slow system.
That's irrelevant to the verdict. The verdict is already set, now the judge just needs to file the paperwork saying why the verdict was reached.
davejenks
Sea Shamford. Stick a harpoon in em. They're done.
Ranger_Miffy2
Wow, a lot of posters wanting to kill or damage SS and crew. Accusing them of endangering lives. Completely blind to the killing and murder of whales by the Japanese. The whales are the ones actually being slaughtered...and for nothing defend-able. Give it up, Japan. Go SS!
nandakandamanda
This is really annoying, just when SS were looking forward to trying out their new... hehehe... ex-Japanese ship on the whalers! Sure it was a super cheap deal for a great ship, but it wasn't THAT cheap!
American courts, underhand, foul, boo, hiss....grrrrrr...
Actually I tend to agree with some of the posters above that there are probably better ways to get the whalers to hang up their waterproofs and call it a day.
nandakandamanda
There is a story that all Japanese children learn at school, something about a contest between Mr Wind and Mr Sun as to who could make the man take off his overcoat.
The wind blew and blew and blew, but the man drew his coat round him ever tighter....
SwissToni
Basroll it's hardly irrelevant if an injunction is issued while awaiting the courts opinion. Unless you have a verdict, the only pressure that can be applied to Sea Shepherd is to issue an injunction. Was the injunction applied for at the time the case was heard? The US legal system would indeed be slow if it took two months to get one.
wtfjapan
haha whalers complete ignore the Australian court order so why should SS take any notice if the US one? US has no jurisdiction in International waters, give them hell SS, love how there new boat is a Japanese ex whaling vessel LOL
wtfjapan
@nandakandamanda yes but if the wind blows long enough the man will die of hypothemia, other words whalers (man) will eventually die from wind exposure (SS) aka how long the J gov is prepared to finance a loss making venture.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 19, 2012 - 09:54PM JST
No, it's irrelevant as the "opinion" is simply paperwork that doesn't have to be filed for the injunction to be valid and enforceable.
You seem to misunderstand what the case was about. The INJUNCTION IS THE VERDICT. The case wasn't about money or criminal findings.
You'de be surprised how long cases can take, some drag out for years and years. And it's not 2 months, it's about 12 months now, the initial case was dated December of last year!
SwissToni
Basroil "The INJUNCTION IS THE VERDICT"
Well of course it's not. The injunction is a restraining tool while the case against Sea Shepherd is reviewed. I believe that takes placed next year.
Frank Vaughn
One of the most precious rights of the U.S. Constitution is the right of the people to protest. The court is WRONG for trying to say that a group of people can not protest and to top it off that they can not protest in international territory where the court has no jurisdiction.
As this continues through the progression of appeals it will have to be found an unconstitutional ruling.
Frank Vaughn
My second thought here:
Captain Watson and his group are not going to change, they are going to continue after the whaling fleet "business as usual." Right or wrong we can all see which side the posters above will take on that.
But I can see that if the U.S. court wants the whalers left alone, the court is going to have to convince the U.S. Navy to send resources down south to "protect" the whaling fleet. A move which would probably be politically unacceptable given the financial status of our two countries at the moment, as well as other reasons.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 19, 2012 - 11:19PM JST
According to the court documents by the first judge: "The whalers seek declaratory and injunctive relief only, asserting four claims."
All the Japanese crews want is the injunction, so the verdict they want is this injunction. They have asked for nothing else.
SamuraiBlue
Frank
Protesting and placing other human lives at risk are two VERY DIFFERENT THINGS.
Trying to maroon a ship at high seas by entangling a rope to the screw is a serious threat and that goes up and beyond the level of protesting and considered pirating.
The US can do much more damage by simply removing the NGO status of SS and branding them as a terrorist organazation in which any and all supporting SS will be held as accomplices under the patriot act. Let's see how SS wiggle out of that predicment.
basroil
Frank VaughnDec. 19, 2012 - 11:40PM JST
No, they can recommend plenty of legal countermeasures including liquidating their assets for monetary compensation (very unlikely, but could include all those ships they are fond of) or removing the company from tax exempt status (could happen, and the courts wouldn't even need to do anything, the IRS would likely get a call to do it from congress) or even adding them to banking blacklists (not likely unless someone gets seriously injured or a ship goes down).
OssanAmerica
You're completely barking up the wrong tree. The original action filed against SSCS last year and this subsequent injunction have NOTHING to do with the right to protest. The action addressed acts of violence at sea that puts human lives and property at risk. If SSCS were a real conservation group, instead of eco-terrorists, this injunction would not have been ordered.
basroil
Frank VaughnDec. 19, 2012 - 11:29PM JST
The court has full jurisdiction, and in the original court case it was noted in the opinion that neither Sea Shepard nor Watson himself denied that the court had jurisdiction. The organization is based in the USA and therefore always falls under the US jurisdiction (non-exclusively, if they violated laws in another country, the US courts can allow charges on top of whatever charges sought by the local system). The US laws specifically state you can't attack a fishing boat, even the lines are protected, and they have done it several times in the past. The court system recognized a danger posed by their reckless actions and ordered a buffer zone. It's no different than a restraining order on an abusive spouse, it's legally binding everywhere, though only punishable in the US.
YuriOtani
They should move out of the USA and tell the court to stick it! The court could send a Naval ship and board the Sea Sheppard ships and take them by force on in international waters. Could the Americans declare they will enforce US law in all international waters?
OssanAmerica
For all you Eco-Terrorist supports who go on about how the US has no jurisdiction, and the Court Order is meaningless, why then is SSCS even bothering to fight it?
" Sea Shepherd vowed Tuesday to fight a court order to stay at least 500 yards away from Japanese whaling ships"
Why didn't SSCS just vow to ignore it?
basroil
YuriOtaniDec. 20, 2012 - 12:59AM JST
They could, but then they will have to pay massive income taxes because they can't get around the fact most of their monetary support goes through the US.
No, they can't. There's a separation of powers in the US, which means the courts can never order military action, only civil action (send the cops to raid their dock and buildings).
They haven't. The court order is on the company that is Sea Shepard, which also happens owns the boats and pay expenses and salaries to the eco-terrorists. Since the company is US based, they are within the jurisdiction of the US. It's no different than someone that works in one place and lives in another, you need to respect both laws.
OssanAmericaDec. 20, 2012 - 01:22AM JST
It would be a case for contempt of court for sure, and quite illegal since the Sea Shepard lawyers had agreed with the first judge that the court should have jurisdiction over the case. Unlike the germany case where they have nothing to lose by making their leader a wanted fugitive, here they could lose tax exempt status and completely fall apart (not to mention having their leader be arrested for contempt of court, then handed over to whoever wants him first without ever actually going to trial).
YuriOtani
basroil if they follow it the whaling fleet will have many years to do whatever they want. Perhaps the Blue Whale is "tasty" and they need a few to "study". This fleet would empty the seas for profit today. Wonders how much whale meat their processing ship can carry? This ruling clears the way for Japan to vacuum clean the ocean of life.
Think of them more like eco-pests as using "terrorist" is too strong. Perhaps the US government cold declare the anti base people "terrorist" as well and have them arrested.
gelendestrasse
Good post basroil. Now I get it.
Still, if the Japanese government stopped bankrolling this operation I doubt it would be economically viable. I still think the money could be better spent helping clean up Fukushima Dai-Ichi.
YuriOtani
A true "eco-terrorist" would kill the whalers, loggers, fishermen, etc. Sea Sheppard is using non lethal ways to keep the fleet from whaling. That word (eco-terrorist) is being overused and is losing its meaning. Do wonder if this is part of the "package" that allows the US to have a new airfield in Okinawa?
basroil, why would they pay income tax in America when they have no income in America. I know better and if they are taxed it would only be in their new country.
Outta here
basroil
Ah so you are using the Antarctic treaty as the basis for your argument here! Well then you would in that case be aware that Australia's Antarctic territory claim predates the Antarctic treaty by a mere 100 years. You would also be aware that contingent to Australia signing the Antarctic treaty there is a clause in the treaty that states by signing and agreeing to the treaty in no way diminishes or negates the pre existing territorial claim. But you knew that now didnt you basroil?
Oh and basroil, what is the difference between Japan using its coast guard to force Chinese fishermen out of its claimed waters. Waters that no other nation supports its sovereignty claim over and an Australian court handing down a ruling that Japan is breaching australian law by entering waters it claims as its own. What's good for one is good for both. Oh wait sorry we are talking Japan here who thinks it can do as it pleases where it pleases...
nigelboy
Unfortunately, one can argue the validity of the territorial claim til cows come home but the concept of "territorial sea" (12 nm) was established via UNCLOS in 1982. ATS which was signed in 1959 under article 4 which states no new claims (in this case "territorial sea" under UNCLOS) shall be asserted while the treaty is in force. In this case the pre-existing Treaty (ATS) diminishes the "territorial sea" aspect of Australia in the Antarctic.
OssanAmerica
"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."
The term is not losing it's meaning, it's simply being thrown about and interpreted by people who have no idea what it means.
BoredToTears
Yuri, if it was a Chinese ship throwing acid at fishing boats near Senkaku what would your reaction be? Terrorists are terrorists, it doesn't matter what stupid cause they believe in. Violence is not tolerated by law. Simply not liking something or an activity does NOT grant you the right to use violence at a form of "protest".
BoredToTears
Sorry, I meant "as a form of protest."
YuriOtani
Bored to Tears, that is because it is in Japanese waters. Notice the whaling ships are Japanese but I do not object. My objection is a lack of jurisdiction. Now if a Japanese court would order them to say away it would be different. They need to grow a spine and not let the Americans do their dirty work. It is wrong to ask our friends the Americans to do this action.
I do say someone has to stop Japan from emptying the seas of life. They could catch every whale and then pine over their demise.
BoredToTears
Yuri, so you would have no problem with Chinese ships doing the same thing the SS does as long as they did it in international waters? Really? As far as I'm concerned nobody has jurisdiction in international waters, until criminal activity is perpetrated, then ALL countries have a responsibility to uphold international sea laws. What the SS does is terrorism plain and simple. The fact that you agree with saving whales has nothing to do with whaling being legal and illegal. Whether you believe it's a loophole or not, the IWC allows the whalers to hunt a limited number of whales. If you or anybody else doesn't agree with that, you need to petition the Japanese government and the IWC. Trying to kill Japanese sailors is NOT the answer.
ihope2eatwhales
SwissToni,
Whale killing method is humane in my opinion, but please do not change subject. Subject is court issue.
If they used good timing to file appeal, it was clever use of court systems. However they wished to stop Sea Shepherd's attacks last year. I think it is fortunate that this year they were able to get US court actions.
Sea Shepherd are criminals so they will ignore ruling anyway.
Your personal belief has nothing to do with law. And it should not. (You agree about this one, I hope.)
ihope2eatwhales
YuriOtani,
850 minke whales each year from population of 500,000 is what they want, and it is quite responsible figure.
They aim to catch 850 minke whales, not "empty the seas for profit today".
Japan has good whaling technology, but it is impossible for even Japan to achieve such a feat if it would try such crazy thing.
Blue whale is low in number, and the lethal research is therefore inappropriate. Japanese government is not permitting the irresponsible lethal research which might extinct any whales.
The amount is less than 850 minke whales. Your idea of them catching all whales is just a fairy tale.
Be serious.
basroil
Outta hereDec. 20, 2012 - 05:41AM JST
However, as nigelboy pointed out, and I have stated before, the treaty forbids them from asserting claims in addition to others not making them. They are specifically barred from taking matters into their own hands, and any disputes must be resolved at the ICJ. That means no local court can make assertions of illegal practices in Antarctic waters. But of course you knew that didn't you?
YuriOtaniDec. 20, 2012 - 08:39AM JST
It would be different because JAPANESE COURTS LACK JURISDICTION IN THIS CASE. The company they are seeking an injunction on is an American company in international waters, so only the company's home base gives anyone jurisdiction. If they had been tried in Japanese courts, it would have been fast but meaningless, as they have all legal authority to ignore it as the Japanese cannot order a foreign company operating outside Japan to do anything.
OssanAmericaDec. 20, 2012 - 07:01AM JST
In this case, the simple act of throwing bottles of acid are enough to be considered violence, and the criminal nature is the interference with legal activities of the whalers (both US and international laws covering fishing). The group is not part of a national government, and it sure as hell is eco-political. Even if it wasn't, the mere fact it's televised fulfills the second section.
These are eco-terrorists, and have been called so, justly, by many countries. US has been beyond generous by not labeling them as such so far, but if they break injunction they could be, and that would mean forfeiture of all assets including their beloved ships.
SwissToni
Basroil, "All the Japanese crews want is the injunction, so the verdict they want is this injunction. They have asked for nothing else."
According to Glenn Inwood the ICR's mouthpiece outside Japan, on Australian radio, this is one of a series of actions the whalers are taking. The injunction isn't all there is and the ICRs comments don't indicate this is all they want.
SwissToni
ihope2eatwhales, "Whale killing method is humane in my opinion, but please do not change subject. Subject is court issue".
Well you changed the subject by worrying about my well being matey. But let's not skirt the issue, whaling and the killing method are the central issue. Without them there would be no moratorium, no 'research whaling', no protests and no court actions.
Your opinion on the killing method is in conflict with most members of the IWC. For example, Norway invests in research to find a better method. They train their gunners more thoroughly than Japan's whalers and have a much better track record in accuracy and instant kill. The killing method does not kill instantly, or even at its most efficient at a rate that is acceptable in any other industry. And Japan's whalers instant kill rate is poor, even in comparison to other whaling nations.
That Japan has wormed its way through the legal minefield confounding attempts to reign its whalers in over the years is what's created groups like Sea Shepherd. As long as Japan's whalers continue to play the game they do, anti whaling countries will continue to take note. I hope the US authorities are duly embarrassed by what's going on in their country and support Oz and Kiwi at the ICJ, overtly or otherwise in demonstrating that Japan's whaling industry is a commercial activity in all but name and prove to the world that they are in fact breaking the law.
basroil
SwissToniDec. 20, 2012 - 04:35PM JST
We aren't here to discuss the group's intentions overall, only the injunction case. The legal case represented here is ONLY FOR AN INJUNCTION, there are no other reasons stated, and none will be added at this level. Anything else is clearly pointless to discuss because it is well outside the scope of this article.
SwissToni
Basroil, don't be silly. We're all here to put our point of view, hopefully civilly. The ongoing subject is whaling, it comes up often and is a favourite on this website. The whalers intentions are central to the issue. If you want to somehow limit the discussion to suit your agenda prepare for disappointment. My opinion on Japan's whalers abuse of the US legal system for their own ends is clearly within the scope of the discussion and especially the article.
YuriOtani
Can see some aliens arguing about hunting humans. One side would claim they are intelligent and the other would say there are a lot of them and they are not endangered. Am against the hunting of whales as they are intelligent. Perhaps more so than humans. Japan is using taxpayer money and a loophole to make the hunt. Their "research" has no value at all. If Japan stopped paying for the hunt it would end and thus end the problem.
basroil, of course Japan has jurisdiction as the whalers are Japanese. Their ships are registered in Japan and think at least one is owned by the government of Japan. Of course any ruling from them would be ineffective.
BoredToTears the Chinese fishermen have no "beef" with the Okinawa or Japanese fishermen. If they were abusing the law to poach fish then they would have the right. However as far as I know things are calm.
ihope2eatwhales what is stopping you? Go to a supermarket and say "geiniku onigoshimasu". You will have some raw whale meat in no time. Remember whale is not fish but mammal. Oh there was a study done that geiniku has 100 times the government limit of mercury. Eat enough of it and it would be like ingesting a thermometer. Enjoy your whale meat...
basroil
YuriOtaniDec. 21, 2012 - 01:23AM JST
The injuction isn't against the whalers, it's against Sea Shepard. Sea Shepard has no headquarters in Japan, and as such no Japanese court will ever have jurisdiction outside Japanese waters.
No, Sea Shepard ships are owned by the American company, and no ship is registered out of Japan, most are Australian or dutch ports. One WAS at some point owned by the Japanese government, but it's been several since they sold it to someone else (and recently purchased from someone completely unrelated to the Japanese government.
Maria Ybanez
Akemi, even the whales can be delicious, the hunting must be regulated. They are not only food: as many of animals around the world they help stabilize the environment. If they become much less that will afect the whole planet, and that's it's more important than culinary culture.
Besides, saying the whale hunting is for scientific research in order to get their meat is lying to every nation who wants to support Japan. I love Japan, but I can't be agree with this.
hkitagawa
US can still arrest them since it is an American ship. By the way why no one do nothing about other animals in extinction? Every time humans eat tons of food animals they are gradually converted in human being.
bookowls
America has no jurisdiction in international waters. And good luck enforcing any decisions - even if they got their ship back, the fight would continue with non-US vessels.
SS Abe
Anarchy of this sort is destructive to his purported cause. A more democratic and liberal way is to have the Sam Shepard dock in Tokyo and have a fair where people can understand why whale-eating maybe tasty and the moral equivalent of eating pork or dogs -- it is unnecessary. Maybe try and make a Disney whale character, or some whale cartoons out of Moby Dick.
SSCSforever
So let me get this straight. A US court can tell Dutch and Australian flagged ships, owned by non US charities, carrying an International crew, operating out of Australian and New Zealander ports, that they cannot interfere with Japanese ships in International and the Australian Antarctic Economic Zone that are whaling in contempt of the Australian Federal Court in Australian waters and the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Right...
Sue Hamber
For those who think there's nothing wrong with whaling, or don't understand why someone would risk their life to defend them, please see this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCX2Du4bO5w&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DeCX2Du4bO5w&has_verified=1
Craft Ledger
For all would be legal experts - listen and learn! - http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/newsradio/audio/20130102-rothwell.mp3
SaveTheWhales1
Are you kidding me! Sea Shepherd are terrorists! Get bloody real! God bless Paul Watson and all the non-violent volunteers that aid SS in their fight to end ILLEGAL WHALING by a nation whose so called research is absolute nonsense! As a wildlife biologist I can say the so called research being done is nothing more than a front to sell whale meat!