INTERPOL statement to clarify the record concerning Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

On 2 March, 2012 INTERPOL issued a written statement to all 190 member countries making it clear that it would not publish a Red Notice seeking the arrest of Paul Franklin Watson because its Office of Legal Affairs was not satisfied that the request was in compliance with INTERPOL’s Constitution and Rules.

INTERPOL does not itself issue arrest warrants. At the request of a member country it can publish a Red Notice, or international wanted persons alert. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant, nor can INTERPOL demand that any member country arrest the subject of a Red Notice.

Any enquiries relating to arrests of individuals should be directed to the national authorities where the person was taken into custody.