Associate Professor Tim Stephens examines the legal dimensions of the case involving three Australian anti-whaling activists, who boarded a Japanese whaling support vessel, the Shonan Maru No 2, in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Western Australia last Saturday.

"The fate of the three men is uncertain: they may be taken to Japan to face criminal charges of trespass," writes Associate Professor Stephens in an article for The Conversation.

"This is a godsend story for journalists in an otherwise slow news period, who have been quick to pick up on an apparent 'kidnapping' of Australian citizens protesting against taking 'Australian whales in 'Australian waters'.

"In reality, as is often the case, the legal situation is far more nuanced."

View the entrie article - Sea Shepherd antics make a great story, but the real whaling news is elsewhere - The Conversation

Further coverage:

Activist describes 'havoc' of solitary detention in Japan - Sydney Morning Herald

Anti-Whaling Activism - ABC TV's 7:30 - 9 January 2012

Whaling dispute raises questions of law - Business Spectator

Expert backs Government's whaling stance - Seven News

Whaling Panel - ABC Radio National Breakfast - 16 January 2012