The Makah Nation of Washington is disputing news accounts about the failure to impanel a jury for the trial of five rogue whale hunters.

Two Washington newspapers said a tribal judge was unable to find impartial jurors to try the men for hunting a gray whale without permission. But the tribe said it reached a deal to defer prosecution of the whalers prior to jury selection.

The five whalers won't face charges if they stay out of trouble for one year. They were ordered to pay a $20 fine.

The move angered the Humane Society of the United States, which said the men should have been punished. A biologist with the group said Makah whaling will lead to a resumption of international whaling.

Get the Story:
Tribal trial angers animal advocates (The Peninsula Daily News 5/16)

Relevant Documents:
Draft EIS on Makah Whale-Hunting Request | Q&A

9th Circuit Decision:
Anderson v. Evans (June 7, 2004)

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