Peter Pal Jola’s daughter disclosed that he departed Kitchener, Ontario, for Ethiopia in March for a brief visit to distribute supplies. Contrary to the plan, the 67-year-old Canadian national never exited the airport. “He had no intention of staying long,” Nyarieni Pal revealed in an interview with CBC News, “He was just going to visit friends and family.” Jola aimed to deliver supplies to individuals in his South Sudanese hometown, which has been affected by ongoing conflict and hunger. Among the items were a few sets of walkie-talkies purchased online from Amazon, according to Pal.
However, possessing these devices, which are restricted in Ethiopia, led to Jola being charged with three counts of importing military equipment, Pal explained, with each charge carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence. Initially, Jola was informed he could leave the devices at the airport and retrieve them on his return to Canada. Nevertheless, the situation shifted once authorities discovered he intended to transport them to the South Sudanese border. Pal criticized the situation as “completely ridiculous,” emphasizing that Jola’s sole aim was to aid people affected by the conflict who needed a means of communication to stay connected with loved ones.
Nyarieni Pal has been actively working to secure her father’s release from Kaliti maximum-security prison in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Jola, who suffers from diabetes and a suspected kidney tumor, as well as mobility issues due to a previous car accident, requires personal funds for basic necessities such as food, water, and potentially medication. Despite the Canadian Embassy providing consular visits, Pal expressed frustration over the limited assistance they can offer within the local judicial system.
In challenging situations like this, the Canadian government’s capacity to intervene is constrained, as highlighted by Aaron Shull, the managing director and general counsel at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. While supportive actions can include consular aid, diplomatic engagement, and ensuring due process, the government cannot compel a release. Ethiopia’s regulations, as enforced by the Information Network Security Agency, prohibit the importation of various items, including walkie-talkies, aligning with international demands but hindering Jola’s case.
Despite the ordeal, Pal emphasized her father’s innocence, highlighting his compliance with the law during his decades in Canada. The family remains optimistic but acknowledges the challenges ahead, including the significance of a letter of support from the Canadian government in influencing the outcome of Jola’s upcoming court appearance. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to cover legal expenses, while Global Affairs Canada is providing consular support but refrained from discussing case specifics publicly. Pal urged the Canadian government to treat the matter seriously, underscoring the need for a proactive approach akin to how it would handle a higher-ranking official in distress.