The trial of an anti-whaling activist detained in the Southern Ocean during clashes with Japan's whaling fleet has opened in Tokyo.
Peter Bethune from New Zealand, a member of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, boarded a ship in February. He pleaded guilty to four charges, including trespass and obstructing commercial activities, but denied a fifth charge of assault. If convicted he could receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
"Regarding the assault charge, I deny the charge," he told the Tokyo District Court. He is alleged to have injured a Japanese crew member by throwing a butyric acid stink bomb. "For the disruption of business, I admit that I fired the butyric acid but there were additional circumstances that we will discuss in court," he said.
This is the first time an anti-whaling protestor has been brought to Japan for trial.
BBC News - Support Captain Bethune on Sea Shepherd Conservation Society website