Paul Watson, known for founding the anti-whaling organization Sea Shepherd, has received news from Interpol concerning the suspension of a wanted notice against him. His organization announced that the global police agency had cited political motivations for lifting the notice initially in place due to a Japanese arrest warrant regarding his alleged obstruction of Japan’s research activities in whaling.

The warrant was issued by Japanese authorities, accusing Watson of crimes including assault in connection with incidents that occurred back in 2010. The 74-year-old activist currently resides in France and was previously detained in Greenland last July, but the Danish government declined Japan's request for his extradition, labeling the allegations as outdated since they are over a decade old. Following this decision, he was released from custody.

Watson is currently expected to address the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, southern France, scheduled for June. This timing coincides with the anticipated final determination by Interpol regarding the status of his wanted notice.