Iceland detains four Brazilian activists during whale hunting protest

Four Brazilian activists remain detained in Iceland following a direct action protest against commercial fin whale hunting. The activists, identified as Victor Calixto, Lucas Barbosa, Vitor Young, and Rui Amorim, were part of a 21-person international crew from 11 countries aboard the vessel Bandero, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation.

The group attempted to monitor and prevent the hunting activities of the Hvalur 9, one of the last authorized commercial whaling ships in Iceland. On July 31, the vessel was intercepted by the Icelandic Coast Guard and special police forces. While 16 crew members of other nationalities have already been deported or processed for departure, the Brazilian nationals remain in the country. They are permitted to move within the capital but must report daily, and their passports and mobile phones have been seized.

Sea Shepherd Brasil has formally requested that the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervene more directly with Icelandic authorities to facilitate their return. The organization noted that while European crew members faced simpler exit procedures, the Brazilians face more complex requirements for leaving the Schengen Area. The Brazilian Embassy in Oslo stated it is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with local police to provide consular assistance.