Bethune 'gutted' by Sea Shepherd ban

27 Jun 2010 10:50p.m.

Mr Philips wrote:

I hope these ignorant anti Pete Bethune 'people' aren't from the west, if they are then maybe they can move to Japan and take their foul mentality with them. Pete Bethune is the holder of a world record, and has risked everything to stand up for protected whales being illegally slaughtered in an established sanctuary. Those who are critical are no lifers, non achievers who sit on their lazy backsides, insulting those with true spirit.

20 Jun 2010 01:06p.m.

Dr. Amil Muaz wrote:

At least SS will save the money they were going to use supporting the mans family now that he has been disavowed, poor fool. Paul Watson would do well to grow a spine and stand behind his man/pawn.

11 Jun 2010 05:44a.m.

Pete wrote:

It makes no difference whether Bethune is a Sea sheep or not. The "we have never been convicted" line is still a baldfaced lie.

10 Jun 2010 05:40a.m.

AnaKinG wrote:

If anyone would like to entertain my speculation.

I believe this move by SSCS to ban Peter Bethune right before sentencing is in order to keep SSCS record "clean." SSCS continues to emphasize "non-violence" and use the argument "We've never been convicted of any crime" to support their stance on non-violence. By removing Peter out of the picture, they can continue to claim "NEVER BEEN CONVICTED."

Another possible thought behind, could be that since there are ~4-5 members of SSCS under international warrant, SSCS is trying to minimize possible damage to those if they are ever arrested. For example, if Paul's arrested, and the fact remains that SSCS endorsed use of deadly weapon (even if in a non-violent manner), could carry a lot more serious charges / sentencings.

It is definitely absurd to think that separating SSCS and Peter Bethune before his sentencing helps. The one of the basis of Peter's defense is that he was instructed by SSCS in many ways their methods were non-violent, including use of butyric acid, bottle launcher, and use of his knife to cut into the protective net. I would not be surprised at all if the prosecutors use this BAN to question credibility of Peter's defense. Whatever being claimed in court by Peter's defense needs to be 100% consistent with what SSCS is claiming. This BAN will significantly undermine Peter's defense, for sure.

10 Jun 2010 01:45a.m.

Terry wrote:

The SS's are about as non violent as a USA Ranger unit. The lies Paul Watson tells get bigger and bigger, he is a fraud.
If I were In Japan I would send an armed escort with every ship, that would take care of the lunatics that put their lives in the hands of Watson

09 Jun 2010 09:12p.m.

Leonard Green wrote:

Japan isn't stupid. They know Paul Watson and the SSCS lie all the time. So this statement of Pete being banned will be ignored when it comes to sentencing.

09 Jun 2010 08:58p.m.

susan wrote:

sea shepherd..I am absloutely gutted.. so how mmm how does a whale feel...gutted no doubt. I congratulate peter..because when will this end what does man have to do to end this slaughter...yes he has done wrong no doubt out of frustration but to not back peter is imoral..we as a human being look to you guys to have a stand to put in a spoketh for the whales let may say this harpoons....bow and arrow???? yeah right.The Japanese know they are in the wrong ....but money yes money!! funny how it talks.. Keeps it all in the headlines eh! You are all in this together.. shame ....Imagine if you won..no more Sea
Shepherd.. I watched a doco on S/Sheperd at the weekend and it was all about who stays on the boat - its not about saving our species it was more about saving you/me - I will back Peter everytime. You guys disgust me..bet the whale does to.

09 Jun 2010 08:33p.m.

cyril wrote:

What a load of bull, seashepherd against violent protest with there history of sinking ships isnt it nine they are responsable for. Shows they arnt good employers, drop you like a hot spud when you are no longer of use and not in a position to complain.