`` They 're targeting endangered whales in an established international whale sanctuary in violation of the Antarctic treaty , '' Watson said . Anti-whaling activist receives suspended sentence and probation . The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against him. Bethune admits he threw butyric acid at Japanese whaling ship . Activists were protesting Japan 's whale-hunting practices .
Anti-whaling activist receives suspended sentence and probation . The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against him. Bethune admits he threw butyric acid at Japanese whaling ship . Activists were protesting Japan 's whale-hunting practices .