Arrested in Japan ... Dutch environmentalist Erwin Vermeulen.
Arrested in Japan ... Dutch environmentalist Erwin Vermeulen. Photo: Sea Shepherd
Hollywood action veteran Rutger Hauer has tried to shine on a light on the case of a Dutch environmentalist jailed in Japan since mid-December over an alleged minor assault.
Erwin Vermeulen, a volunteer with the Cove Guardians group of Sea Shepherd was arrested after he was said to have shoved an employee of the Dolphin Resort Hotel in the town of Taiji.
At the time, Mr Vermeulen was trying to take photographs of Risso's dolphins as they were being transferred between holding pens at the resort, Sea Shepherd reports.
A file photo taken on October 6, 2003 shows Japanese fishermen riding a boat loaded with slaughtered dolphins at a blood-covered cove in Taiji harbour.
A file photo taken on October 6, 2003, shows Japanese fishermen riding a boat loaded with slaughtered dolphins at a blood-covered cove in Taiji harbour. Photo: Sea Shepherd/AFP
"Erwin has been held in a Japanese jail cell near Taiji for 47 days now, under highly inhumane conditions and in solitary confinement - all for the mere accusation of pushing someone," Hauer said.
"He was in Taiji to document and keep a watchful eye on Japan's blatant attempt to conceal the truth behind Taiji's brutal annual dolphin slaughter, and to help bring awareness to the high mercury levels in the dolphin meat being sold there."
Hauer, whose films include Blade Runner, Ladyhawke, and Dracula 3D, is a long-standing member of Sea Shepherd's star-laden advisory board.
Actor Rutger Hauer.
Actor Rutger Hauer. Photo: AP
Sea Shepherd sais that, on February 1, Mr Vermeulen came before a court for the first time, handcuffed and bound, showing signs of weight loss and suffering from the cold.
"This treatment is pushing all kinds of limits," Hauer said. "It's time for us to be humane, to show respect, common sense, and heart."
Sea Shepherd said that, even with a weak overall prosecution, an acquittal was unlikely for Mr Vermeulen in Japan.
Closing arguments are expected on February 16 and a verdict on February 22.
Two Greenpeace activists, who were held for 26 days without charge, were given suspended jail sentences in 2010 for theft and trespass over their attempts to expose a hidden trade in whale meat.
New Zealander Pete Bethune was held for five months after he boarded a Japanese whaling ship in the Antarctic in 2010. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, which was suspended, and deported
Despite Mr Vermuelen's arrest, a roster of volunteer Cove Guardians are maintaining a vigil at Taiji.