By Melissa Davies in Tokyo
New Zealand anti-whaling activist Pete Bethune will give evidence in a Tokyo court today in what is expected to be an emotional testimony.
It's the final day of the Aucklander's three day trial which could see him jailed for up to 15 years.
Mr Bethune’s testimony is likely to last the entire day; most of the time he will be answering questions from prosecution lawyers through an interpreter.
Sea Shepherd lawyers say Mr Bethune is expected to say, in his defence, that the Japanese are not listening to world laws regarding whaling and their agreement to catch them under a research agreement is a guise for commercial whaling.
Demonstrators are making loud protests outside the courthouse where Mr Bethune is appearing, previously chanting in Japanese, but having noticed English-speaking press, have created some slogans in English.
A protester is escorted away by Japanese police after a scuffle erupted outside the courts
The Japanese Coastguard launched a public relations campaign yesterday in a bid to generate public support; they held an open day for thousands of Japanese locals to see how they operate.
They took the citizens out to sea and put on a demonstration to show how they deal with intruders – including using water cannons and guns.
A poster of Mr Bethune being arrested was shown – handcuffed and led down some stairs wearing a hood.
3 News