Anti-whaling activist has 'no regrets' as his trial begins in Tokyo [View All]

[Ed Barrow]

Source: The Guardian

The battle between Japan and anti-whaling activists will be played out in a Tokyo courtroom today with the start of the trial of Peter Bethune, who was arrested after clambering aboard a Japanese whaling ship earlier this year.

Bethune, of the Sea Shepherd marine conservation group, faces five charges: trespass, assault, illegal possession of a knife, destruction of property and obstruction of business. These crimes carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Dan Harris, a Sea Shepherd lawyer who visited Bethune in detention yesterday, said the activist was "unbelievably well. He's in really good spirits, very healthy and excited about having the opportunity to explain himself to the world."

Harris said prosecutors were expected to demand a jail sentence of between two and a half and three years. "We are far more optimistic," he said. "Our focus is on getting Pete out of Japan as quickly as possible."


Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/27/sea-shepherd-whaling-activist-court-tokyo