Celsias
In the trial of Sea Shepherd activist Erwin Vermeulen arrested in Taiji, Japan, last December for an alleged pushing incident,the judge has ordered his release. But prosecutors then continued to push their case, demanding a hearing in a higher court.
After the prosecution exercised their right to appeal to a higher court in order to force Vermeulen to remain in detention for the remainder of the trial, the trial judge took the extraordinary step of sending the paperwork to the higher court last night, thus ensuring that the appeal would be heard today.
The higher court sided with the trial judge and denied the prosecution’s appeal. Vermeulen has been released from detention and will rejoin his fellow Cove Guardians.
The prosecution has only asked for a fine of 100,000 Yen ($1.300), should Erwin be found guilty.
No jail time was requested. This demand for such a meager fine and no jail sentence,along with the strong case presented by the defense, exposed the fact that the prosecution’s case is without merit and was poorly investigated, says Sea Shepherd." It has become clear that arresting Vermeulen and charging him with assault was politically motivated. The prosecution’s appeal to keep the activist detained is blatant injustice and more proof of the underlying political motivation behind this case".
Erwin Vermeulen was in Taiji, Japan documenting the brutal dolphin slaughter that takes place annually in this small seaside town. He was accused of “pushing” a dolphin resort employee and was arrested. Vermeuelen was imprisoned for 64 days for these charges. He was held in solitary conditions, fed a diet of mostly white rice, and was denied contact with the outside world.
