Dear Diary:
Life seems to be getting back to normal...whatever that is! We continued to be astonished at the outpouring of love and support. I've posted photos of just a few of the many well-wishes and printed prayers, along with some photos of the senders, that Laurie, Mattie and I put up on 2 of the bulletin boards (approx. 6 ft x 4 ft each) in Sean & Laurie's loft. The effect for Sean was deeply profound. He took an audible breath in, expressed disbelief and began "hungrily" devouring each word while all the time exclaiming how amazing it all was. It is a rare moment indeed when a person finds himself in a situation such as this in which he can see such striking evidence of a life well-lived--innumerable friends expressing love and support. Normally this type of evidence is only seen at a memorial service. To be able to live to see it is a gift indeed.
The story does not end here. There will be more to report as time goes on. "Sweet Crude" is still alive and well.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 24, 2008 4:34 p.m.
Dear Diary:
Many folks have shown an interest in hearing the crew's story in their own words. Here's the full text of their press statement made on Monday at the press conference:
Statement
from the crew of Sweet Crude
after release from Nigerian SSS Detention
Sunday, April 20, 2008
We want to begin with the most important message, which is our deep gratitude for all
of the support, tireless work and commitment to securing our release from the Nigerian
State Security Services. We’d like to specifically thank Senators Maria Cantwell and
Jon Tester for their immediate and swift action on our behalf. Additionally, we’d like to
express our thanks to the 12 other Senators and Representatives who signed and
delivered a letter on our behalf to the Nigerian President Yar’Ardua. We have been
informed that this level of Congressional support is unprecedented. We would also like
to acknowledge the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders, who courageously
advocated for our release with the highest security authorities in Nigeria. We commend
the staff of the US Consular Division in Abuja for their vigilant work to secure what was
by Nigerian terms a swift release. In particular, we are grateful to Victoria Coffineau
who was literally our lifeline during our detention. And most specifically, we want to
acknowledge our friends and family for their relentless pursuit of justice on our behalf.
It is impossible for us, at this early stage of homecoming, to even begin to grasp the
reach and depth of support we’ve received. During the most difficult hours of detention,
we resolutely knew that you were all feverishly and effectively doing all you could to
bring us home and it literally was what got us through. To all of you, we can only say
the most sincere thank you.
We’d like you to know that you extended your influence, support and reputations for
people who, contrary to reports from the Nigerian Government, were doing work in the
Niger Delta lawfully, responsibly, honorably and with all proper permission and
advanced notification to all authorities necessary. The Nigerian Government has
continued to claim that we were in a location that required advanced authorization and
permitting. One report went so far as to claim that we did not even secure visas prior to
our arrival. This is entirely false.
The facts are as follows: We have been working in and out of the Niger Delta since
November of 2005 openly, with a very careful commitment to knowing who’s who and
what’s what in the complex world of the Niger Delta. We entered the country with
business visas and letters of invitation stating explicitly that we would be filming to
complete Sweet Crude. Nigerian law, prior to our detention, did not state that special
permits were needed for any travel within the country. This is an excuse posed after
the fact and directly intended to be an intentional systematic and dangerous
suppression of journalism in the Niger Delta. Moreover, we know that had we applied to
the Joint Task Force or JTF, with a complete itinerary of our every location, it could
have put us at further risk rather than secured our safety. The JTF is a Nigerian
military task force specifically put in place to police—or as most Niger Delta residents
see it, to militarize—the Niger Delta because of the oil there.
It is important to understand that it is widely known that many soldiers in the JTF are
corrupt, and are in fact themselves involved in oil bunkering and ransom deals for
2
hostages while they abuse their power to play both of sides of the fence. As
responsible journalists, we have developed relationships with locals in the communities
where we have been filming. In a place like the Niger Delta, with the stakes so high,
the players so numerous and loyalties so difficult to discern, it is imperative that the
work be done to learn who can be trusted. At the time that we were intercepted by the
JTF, we were traveling with our dear colleague, Nigerian-American, Joel Bisina, to his
childhood village in Egbema. Joel has been clear with us that traveling to local
villages with members of the JTF is neither wise nor safe. To do so would place the
people living in those communities at risk, hinder people’s trust to work with us and
place ourselves in the hands of the entity most interested in preventing us from telling
the world the true story of what is occurring in an area producing more of U.S. oil than
Saudi Arabia.
At 9:00 am on Saturday, April 12t h, the five of us were together in a boat with our
camera bags zipped and packed away. Even though military rule officially ended in
Nigeria in 1999, the Niger Delta, for all intents and purposes, continues to be an
occupied land. We approached a JTF checkpoint and were instructed to pull over. Joel
exchanged words with the officer on duty. In their interaction, what started as routine
harassment by the JTF of a local Nigerian man who understood all too well that he was
implicitly being asked for money, Joel decided not to capitulate. He was bringing four
of his colleagues to complete filming for a documentary and to meet his mother. He
argued with the officer, reminding him that he had every right to lawfully travel to his
village with his friends. In response, the JTF officer ordered all of us out of the boat to
go inside and wait in the Commanding Officer’s headquarters. Then this routine
harassment turned into our bags being searched and the situation shifted to the target
being us as well as Joel. At first we were told we were being held for our own safety.
How could they know if we were being kidnapped by Joel, they said. And even if we
weren’t, they needed to stop us from going to a dangerous place. This is fully
disingenuous.
In all the time that we were detained, not one officer ever asked one of us if we felt
unsafe or were being held hostage. In fact, when I first discussed our situation with an
SSS or State Security Services officer about why we were being detained, he said
smugly “If you are heading into the creeks and don’t feel unsafe, that must mean you
know locals, so we know who you are.” What is meant by this is that Americans working
to tell the story of what people in the Niger Delta say is their just right to have control
over the way oil is produced and revenue distributed, not to mention political
representation and constitutional issues—that when these Americans come to do this
work, they are considered spies by the Nigerian government. All of this is part of a
pattern. Nigerian authorities have been systematically harassing, detaining and
arresting foreign and domestic journalists to send a message that no one should come
to report about the Niger Delta.
At 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 12t h, after a series of excuses about why we were still
being held, including because there were no life jackets in the boat—a laughable idea
in a place where no one has life jackets on boats—they searched our bags. The second
they saw cameras in our bags, they signaled to call their superior officers to escalate
3
the case. Within two hours, the five of us were being driven to an army base in Warri,
when I overheard there would be an arrest number and a charge of sabotage.
Fortunately, they had not confiscated our cell phones and Tammi was able to text about
our situation in depth until the next difficult moment of escalation, when we were told
we would be taken to Abuja and our cell phones were confiscated. By getting the word
out early, our incredible team here put a series of steps in motion that really saved us,
and I mean literally. No one would tell me why we were being arrested or what we were
being charged with. In fact we were never given an answer in earnest to this question,
or to why we were denied access to communication or attorneys. It was only when one
officer turned control of us over to another and we heard the words, “They are your
prisoners now” that we knew for certain we were indeed prisoners.
Contrary to reports from the Nigerian government that we were flown to Abuja, we were
not flown; but rather driven in two trucks with six heavily armed soldiers in each truck
on a 7 ½ hour harrowing ride through the night and numerous check points. Ironically,
one of the biggest warnings on the US State Department website is not to drive at night
in Nigeria. We now know why. For us, one of the saddest parts of this was the reckless
danger that those young soldiers were placed in to accompany people who were to be
illegally detained, who the JTF knew full well were not a security risk to their nation. In
Abuja, the JTF turned us over to the SSS.
We want to explain in very brief detail the difficulty of being detained by the SSS in
Nigeria because we are keenly aware that what we experienced is only a small taste of
the unimaginable brutality that has been leveled on Nigerians who have come before
us. The SSS and Nigerian government are renowned for fabrication of evidence and
facts of cases. Our State Department was doing their best work; but they were up
against consistent misinformation and an inability to meet with us privately during the
duration of our detainment. Therefore, our intent is to shed light on what a Nigerian
man who apologized to us as we were leaving the country called “the last gasps of the
dark days of a few men owning so much that they would do anything to keep people
from talking about it.” He asked us to come back and tell you that it is only with
something like this incident that American attention can help to sway the Nigerian
government toward due process and demilitarization.
In this context we think it’s important to tell you a little bit about the reality of our
detention. From the moment we were asked for our cell phones, we had no contact with
the outside world for five full days, with the exception of two visits from the US
consular office—witnessed by the very SSS officers who were our jailers and
interrogators. In other words, we could not be open with our lifeline. We had sporadic
access to food and water, particularly worrisome for our team member Joel, who is
diabetic and was denied access to his medication for over two days. We were housed in
spaces with various amounts of control, mostly none, over temperature, which varied
from 60 to 100 degrees by our estimation. After only two hours of sleep, we were
woken for anywhere from four to eight hours of interrogation.
4
While we had different experiences, each of us was interrogated anywhere from one to
four times, with anywhere from reasonable tactics to psychologically and borderline
physically abusive tactics. We were subjected to low level ridicule, good cop/bad cop
mind games, and a stream of misinformation or no information intended to be
maddening. While there are more details and personal difficulties in this process, we
reiterate that we are sadly aware that this is nothing in comparison to what others have
gone through. We will be fine and do not mean to harp on our ordeal—our suffering is
just so relatively minimal.
We are all very aware as the days played out that it is only because of the tremendous
pressure brought by all of you that we were released within one week rather than
detained for more than a month. They were extremely clear with us that they wanted to
send a strong message. They did not mince words with me that I should pay, and so
should my film crew, for having the nerve to come to the Niger Delta to make a
documentary. Given that you took a risk to support us personally, we would like to
leverage that hard work to shed light on the principle for which you fought.
I have worked in my life on projects related to due process, illegal detentions and even
the Japanese American incarcerations in the 1940’s. What were intellectual and
philosophical commitments have become very differently personal. Being seized at
gunpoint because the authorities do not like what you are saying and want you to shut
you up is a staggeringly terrifying experience. And even though I cannot imagine in
precisely what ways, I know, and we know, that this has materially changed us.
During the time that we were detained and interrogated, we learned later, the price of
oil had hit a record high. But it is only now, we feel, that each of us has actually paid
the true price of oil. It is this loss of humanity necessary to maintain power structures
where violence, militarization, environmental devastation and corruption are the
downstream consequences of our current oil infrastructure. This is it. Things have got
to change. If our experiences could bring even the smallest improvement in the quality
of life for the people who originally inspired this work, it truly would all have been worth
it.
We don’t want to just end this episode with the seemingly more valuable American lives
being saved. This story is not about our detainment. At this point, we are home safely;
but the suffering that inspired us to risk being there is ongoing and widespread. We
were made to pay a small price for bringing cameras to a place that the powerful want
hidden. The people there are paying the high price of oil having been found under their
feet. We are asking that you continue the work for the people left behind.
When the JTF first detained us, it was clear that they thought they could intimidate us
into turning against each other, particularly the four Americans turning against Joel.
This was the first in a series of disappointments for the Nigerian authorities. We all
stayed together even while separated for hours of interrogation. The second
disappointment was that they really could not find anything to charge us with, after
days of this interrogation and examination of all of our seized property. Lastly, because
5
of the pressure you brought, they could not get away with illegally detaining us
indefinitely to send their message.
We hope that this episode does not end with a new warning for Americans and
journalists to stay away. We hope it inspires more pressure for international attention
toward binding talks between the Nigerian Government, militants, oil companies,
NGO’s, the military and all stakeholders in the region. Nigeria can be a triumph of
preventive diplomacy. It can be a place where we work to turn the corner on the old
ways of blatant exploitation for resources. The triumph cannot happen in a vacuum or
without witnesses. That’s why we went there to film a documentary. And that’s why we
are so grateful that the level of support for us reflects the commitment to telling this
story at this time.
What we experienced was brutal, yes. But it hasn’t erased our memories of the Nigeria
we had come to love before this. It is a beautiful country with many brave people trying
to leave behind the old guard for good. We support that effort with all our hearts. Thank
you.
Many folks have shown an interest in hearing the crew's story in their own words. Here's the full text of their press statement made on Monday at the press conference:
Statement
from the crew of Sweet Crude
after release from Nigerian SSS Detention
Sunday, April 20, 2008
We want to begin with the most important message, which is our deep gratitude for all
of the support, tireless work and commitment to securing our release from the Nigerian
State Security Services. We’d like to specifically thank Senators Maria Cantwell and
Jon Tester for their immediate and swift action on our behalf. Additionally, we’d like to
express our thanks to the 12 other Senators and Representatives who signed and
delivered a letter on our behalf to the Nigerian President Yar’Ardua. We have been
informed that this level of Congressional support is unprecedented. We would also like
to acknowledge the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Robin Sanders, who courageously
advocated for our release with the highest security authorities in Nigeria. We commend
the staff of the US Consular Division in Abuja for their vigilant work to secure what was
by Nigerian terms a swift release. In particular, we are grateful to Victoria Coffineau
who was literally our lifeline during our detention. And most specifically, we want to
acknowledge our friends and family for their relentless pursuit of justice on our behalf.
It is impossible for us, at this early stage of homecoming, to even begin to grasp the
reach and depth of support we’ve received. During the most difficult hours of detention,
we resolutely knew that you were all feverishly and effectively doing all you could to
bring us home and it literally was what got us through. To all of you, we can only say
the most sincere thank you.
We’d like you to know that you extended your influence, support and reputations for
people who, contrary to reports from the Nigerian Government, were doing work in the
Niger Delta lawfully, responsibly, honorably and with all proper permission and
advanced notification to all authorities necessary. The Nigerian Government has
continued to claim that we were in a location that required advanced authorization and
permitting. One report went so far as to claim that we did not even secure visas prior to
our arrival. This is entirely false.
The facts are as follows: We have been working in and out of the Niger Delta since
November of 2005 openly, with a very careful commitment to knowing who’s who and
what’s what in the complex world of the Niger Delta. We entered the country with
business visas and letters of invitation stating explicitly that we would be filming to
complete Sweet Crude. Nigerian law, prior to our detention, did not state that special
permits were needed for any travel within the country. This is an excuse posed after
the fact and directly intended to be an intentional systematic and dangerous
suppression of journalism in the Niger Delta. Moreover, we know that had we applied to
the Joint Task Force or JTF, with a complete itinerary of our every location, it could
have put us at further risk rather than secured our safety. The JTF is a Nigerian
military task force specifically put in place to police—or as most Niger Delta residents
see it, to militarize—the Niger Delta because of the oil there.
It is important to understand that it is widely known that many soldiers in the JTF are
corrupt, and are in fact themselves involved in oil bunkering and ransom deals for
2
hostages while they abuse their power to play both of sides of the fence. As
responsible journalists, we have developed relationships with locals in the communities
where we have been filming. In a place like the Niger Delta, with the stakes so high,
the players so numerous and loyalties so difficult to discern, it is imperative that the
work be done to learn who can be trusted. At the time that we were intercepted by the
JTF, we were traveling with our dear colleague, Nigerian-American, Joel Bisina, to his
childhood village in Egbema. Joel has been clear with us that traveling to local
villages with members of the JTF is neither wise nor safe. To do so would place the
people living in those communities at risk, hinder people’s trust to work with us and
place ourselves in the hands of the entity most interested in preventing us from telling
the world the true story of what is occurring in an area producing more of U.S. oil than
Saudi Arabia.
At 9:00 am on Saturday, April 12t h, the five of us were together in a boat with our
camera bags zipped and packed away. Even though military rule officially ended in
Nigeria in 1999, the Niger Delta, for all intents and purposes, continues to be an
occupied land. We approached a JTF checkpoint and were instructed to pull over. Joel
exchanged words with the officer on duty. In their interaction, what started as routine
harassment by the JTF of a local Nigerian man who understood all too well that he was
implicitly being asked for money, Joel decided not to capitulate. He was bringing four
of his colleagues to complete filming for a documentary and to meet his mother. He
argued with the officer, reminding him that he had every right to lawfully travel to his
village with his friends. In response, the JTF officer ordered all of us out of the boat to
go inside and wait in the Commanding Officer’s headquarters. Then this routine
harassment turned into our bags being searched and the situation shifted to the target
being us as well as Joel. At first we were told we were being held for our own safety.
How could they know if we were being kidnapped by Joel, they said. And even if we
weren’t, they needed to stop us from going to a dangerous place. This is fully
disingenuous.
In all the time that we were detained, not one officer ever asked one of us if we felt
unsafe or were being held hostage. In fact, when I first discussed our situation with an
SSS or State Security Services officer about why we were being detained, he said
smugly “If you are heading into the creeks and don’t feel unsafe, that must mean you
know locals, so we know who you are.” What is meant by this is that Americans working
to tell the story of what people in the Niger Delta say is their just right to have control
over the way oil is produced and revenue distributed, not to mention political
representation and constitutional issues—that when these Americans come to do this
work, they are considered spies by the Nigerian government. All of this is part of a
pattern. Nigerian authorities have been systematically harassing, detaining and
arresting foreign and domestic journalists to send a message that no one should come
to report about the Niger Delta.
At 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 12t h, after a series of excuses about why we were still
being held, including because there were no life jackets in the boat—a laughable idea
in a place where no one has life jackets on boats—they searched our bags. The second
they saw cameras in our bags, they signaled to call their superior officers to escalate
3
the case. Within two hours, the five of us were being driven to an army base in Warri,
when I overheard there would be an arrest number and a charge of sabotage.
Fortunately, they had not confiscated our cell phones and Tammi was able to text about
our situation in depth until the next difficult moment of escalation, when we were told
we would be taken to Abuja and our cell phones were confiscated. By getting the word
out early, our incredible team here put a series of steps in motion that really saved us,
and I mean literally. No one would tell me why we were being arrested or what we were
being charged with. In fact we were never given an answer in earnest to this question,
or to why we were denied access to communication or attorneys. It was only when one
officer turned control of us over to another and we heard the words, “They are your
prisoners now” that we knew for certain we were indeed prisoners.
Contrary to reports from the Nigerian government that we were flown to Abuja, we were
not flown; but rather driven in two trucks with six heavily armed soldiers in each truck
on a 7 ½ hour harrowing ride through the night and numerous check points. Ironically,
one of the biggest warnings on the US State Department website is not to drive at night
in Nigeria. We now know why. For us, one of the saddest parts of this was the reckless
danger that those young soldiers were placed in to accompany people who were to be
illegally detained, who the JTF knew full well were not a security risk to their nation. In
Abuja, the JTF turned us over to the SSS.
We want to explain in very brief detail the difficulty of being detained by the SSS in
Nigeria because we are keenly aware that what we experienced is only a small taste of
the unimaginable brutality that has been leveled on Nigerians who have come before
us. The SSS and Nigerian government are renowned for fabrication of evidence and
facts of cases. Our State Department was doing their best work; but they were up
against consistent misinformation and an inability to meet with us privately during the
duration of our detainment. Therefore, our intent is to shed light on what a Nigerian
man who apologized to us as we were leaving the country called “the last gasps of the
dark days of a few men owning so much that they would do anything to keep people
from talking about it.” He asked us to come back and tell you that it is only with
something like this incident that American attention can help to sway the Nigerian
government toward due process and demilitarization.
In this context we think it’s important to tell you a little bit about the reality of our
detention. From the moment we were asked for our cell phones, we had no contact with
the outside world for five full days, with the exception of two visits from the US
consular office—witnessed by the very SSS officers who were our jailers and
interrogators. In other words, we could not be open with our lifeline. We had sporadic
access to food and water, particularly worrisome for our team member Joel, who is
diabetic and was denied access to his medication for over two days. We were housed in
spaces with various amounts of control, mostly none, over temperature, which varied
from 60 to 100 degrees by our estimation. After only two hours of sleep, we were
woken for anywhere from four to eight hours of interrogation.
4
While we had different experiences, each of us was interrogated anywhere from one to
four times, with anywhere from reasonable tactics to psychologically and borderline
physically abusive tactics. We were subjected to low level ridicule, good cop/bad cop
mind games, and a stream of misinformation or no information intended to be
maddening. While there are more details and personal difficulties in this process, we
reiterate that we are sadly aware that this is nothing in comparison to what others have
gone through. We will be fine and do not mean to harp on our ordeal—our suffering is
just so relatively minimal.
We are all very aware as the days played out that it is only because of the tremendous
pressure brought by all of you that we were released within one week rather than
detained for more than a month. They were extremely clear with us that they wanted to
send a strong message. They did not mince words with me that I should pay, and so
should my film crew, for having the nerve to come to the Niger Delta to make a
documentary. Given that you took a risk to support us personally, we would like to
leverage that hard work to shed light on the principle for which you fought.
I have worked in my life on projects related to due process, illegal detentions and even
the Japanese American incarcerations in the 1940’s. What were intellectual and
philosophical commitments have become very differently personal. Being seized at
gunpoint because the authorities do not like what you are saying and want you to shut
you up is a staggeringly terrifying experience. And even though I cannot imagine in
precisely what ways, I know, and we know, that this has materially changed us.
During the time that we were detained and interrogated, we learned later, the price of
oil had hit a record high. But it is only now, we feel, that each of us has actually paid
the true price of oil. It is this loss of humanity necessary to maintain power structures
where violence, militarization, environmental devastation and corruption are the
downstream consequences of our current oil infrastructure. This is it. Things have got
to change. If our experiences could bring even the smallest improvement in the quality
of life for the people who originally inspired this work, it truly would all have been worth
it.
We don’t want to just end this episode with the seemingly more valuable American lives
being saved. This story is not about our detainment. At this point, we are home safely;
but the suffering that inspired us to risk being there is ongoing and widespread. We
were made to pay a small price for bringing cameras to a place that the powerful want
hidden. The people there are paying the high price of oil having been found under their
feet. We are asking that you continue the work for the people left behind.
When the JTF first detained us, it was clear that they thought they could intimidate us
into turning against each other, particularly the four Americans turning against Joel.
This was the first in a series of disappointments for the Nigerian authorities. We all
stayed together even while separated for hours of interrogation. The second
disappointment was that they really could not find anything to charge us with, after
days of this interrogation and examination of all of our seized property. Lastly, because
5
of the pressure you brought, they could not get away with illegally detaining us
indefinitely to send their message.
We hope that this episode does not end with a new warning for Americans and
journalists to stay away. We hope it inspires more pressure for international attention
toward binding talks between the Nigerian Government, militants, oil companies,
NGO’s, the military and all stakeholders in the region. Nigeria can be a triumph of
preventive diplomacy. It can be a place where we work to turn the corner on the old
ways of blatant exploitation for resources. The triumph cannot happen in a vacuum or
without witnesses. That’s why we went there to film a documentary. And that’s why we
are so grateful that the level of support for us reflects the commitment to telling this
story at this time.
What we experienced was brutal, yes. But it hasn’t erased our memories of the Nigeria
we had come to love before this. It is a beautiful country with many brave people trying
to leave behind the old guard for good. We support that effort with all our hearts. Thank
you.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
April 22, 2008 5:38 p.m.
Dear Diary:
This entry is all about Sean. Here is an email that he just sent out that speaks his heart to EVERYONE who emailed, called, prayed, worried, cried, worked, and spoke on his behalf:
"I'd usually apologize for sending any sort of mass email, but I can't fathom how many people where here for me, Laurie and my family over the last week.
I don't really know how to begin; or end, for that matter. I do know I am grateful beyond words for the response, care, hard work and relentlessness of you all. I do know, in all honesty, it was the intense and immediate reaction from everyone involved here in the states, all within a matter of hours, which fully determined the fate of me and the rest of the crew. Had we not had Senators, the US Ambassador and everyone else flooding the State Department and the Nigerian government I would absolutely still be held there right now.
I know Laurie has been in touch with everyone, and kept everyone in the loop, so I'll try to keep this brief. I came home to almost 100 square feet of photos, emails and notes from hundreds of people who had contacted her and I can't remember another time feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude. To think that in some of the darkest hours, days into my detainment in a Nigerian secret service jail, when asked by the US consular to fill in a list of 3 people they should contact on my behalf, I struggled to find 3 names. Something terrible and despairing happens to a mind stripped of free will, even if just for just a few days, something I'll never be able to fully understand. I can't possibly imagine how it destroys the minds of those in far worse situations all over the world, every day. It is an experience I hope to keep close to me.
Needless to say I am doing OK, healthy, a little exhausted. The whole experience is far more anti-climatic than the press and television wish it was. We we're very much frogs in a pot of warming water - no guns firing or anything - everything happened painfully slow and gradual and before we knew it we were half way across the country from where we started, stripped of all our possessions and locked away. In the end the intensity was all far more psychological than physical, and I'm sure it will take a while to fully decompress.
I am sorry I haven't even conceptualized getting back to the phone calls and emails, but if I miss one I just wanted to make sure you all know I am so honored to have you all so close. The sense of community I came home to was incredible and inspiring and has undoubtedly changed me.
Thank you all, and I look forward to seeing many of you again very soon. And please forward this to anyone you might have contacted on my or Laurie's behalf--
gratefully,
Sean "
He will be eternally grateful. Thank you...
This entry is all about Sean. Here is an email that he just sent out that speaks his heart to EVERYONE who emailed, called, prayed, worried, cried, worked, and spoke on his behalf:
"I'd usually apologize for sending any sort of mass email, but I can't fathom how many people where here for me, Laurie and my family over the last week.
I don't really know how to begin; or end, for that matter. I do know I am grateful beyond words for the response, care, hard work and relentlessness of you all. I do know, in all honesty, it was the intense and immediate reaction from everyone involved here in the states, all within a matter of hours, which fully determined the fate of me and the rest of the crew. Had we not had Senators, the US Ambassador and everyone else flooding the State Department and the Nigerian government I would absolutely still be held there right now.
I know Laurie has been in touch with everyone, and kept everyone in the loop, so I'll try to keep this brief. I came home to almost 100 square feet of photos, emails and notes from hundreds of people who had contacted her and I can't remember another time feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude. To think that in some of the darkest hours, days into my detainment in a Nigerian secret service jail, when asked by the US consular to fill in a list of 3 people they should contact on my behalf, I struggled to find 3 names. Something terrible and despairing happens to a mind stripped of free will, even if just for just a few days, something I'll never be able to fully understand. I can't possibly imagine how it destroys the minds of those in far worse situations all over the world, every day. It is an experience I hope to keep close to me.
Needless to say I am doing OK, healthy, a little exhausted. The whole experience is far more anti-climatic than the press and television wish it was. We we're very much frogs in a pot of warming water - no guns firing or anything - everything happened painfully slow and gradual and before we knew it we were half way across the country from where we started, stripped of all our possessions and locked away. In the end the intensity was all far more psychological than physical, and I'm sure it will take a while to fully decompress.
I am sorry I haven't even conceptualized getting back to the phone calls and emails, but if I miss one I just wanted to make sure you all know I am so honored to have you all so close. The sense of community I came home to was incredible and inspiring and has undoubtedly changed me.
Thank you all, and I look forward to seeing many of you again very soon. And please forward this to anyone you might have contacted on my or Laurie's behalf--
gratefully,
Sean "
He will be eternally grateful. Thank you...
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 21, 2008 4:37 p.m.
Dear Diary:
Basking in the sunshine of a son returned home! Yesterday was long but so satisfying. To see and hug our dear one was the best gift!
We arrived at the airport at 2:15, about the time their flight landed. We trekked upstairs to the conference room that had been reserved for the families to meet up with the crew before the press conference. I was tentative. I didn't know how I was going to respond. Part of me didn't want to be there. I felt like he might need some space. Maybe he would just want to see and spend time with Laurie. I'm a mother. I know how it works. There comes a time in every young man's life when his mother is no longer the central woman in his world. I'm okay with that. Maybe it was a mistake for me to come. Waiting was hard. I felt uneasy. It was weird, surreal. Then, they walked through the doors with their escorts. I hung back. First David and deep, lasting hugs. Then Laurie, and tears and hugs and kisses and more lingering hugs. I shouldn't have come. They need their time, their space. Then, "Mama," and the hug and the joy. We all went into the conference room. More hugs and handshakes--strangers had become friends, more than friends, nearly family. We share a strange, invisible bond with these people who we might otherwise not even met. Then Senator Cantwell entered the room. Mood changed--awe for a moment. She is, after all, a US Senator. But then, she is also just a human being, one to whom we owe a great deal. She was gracious. She met everyone. She asked for their stories. She wanted to know what the "takeaway" was. What should she, should the US government be doing to help change things in the Niger. Then we were interrupted. We had to vacate the conference room and head to the "theater" for the press conference. As we walked toward the stairs we could see down below us a gathering of journalists with tv cameras, still cameras and clipboards and pens. I was walking in the front of the line but quickly gave up my spot. Didn't want to be the first one on film. We made our way into the room where, after everyone was settled, Senator Cantwell made her statements and then introduced the director, Sandy. Sandy read their statement and that is when it hit me. That's when the tears finally came. It was that moment when I realized that we hadn't really known the whole story and God, in his infinite wisdom, had guarded us from the whole truth. If we had not been shielded I would have been paralyzed with fear. The awful truth is that they suffered much worse than we imagined and were possibly in much worse danger than we imagined. From being forced at gunpoint into trucks and hauled from the creeks to Warri to Abuja (hours by truck in the middle of the night) to being deprived of water when it was more than 100 degrees at times in their cells. And yes, the men were kept in a cell behind bars. They were in fact arrested, contrary to what we had been told. and their captors seemed very pleased to have snagged a group of filmmakers. They were interrogated and intimidated. Sean was repeatedly asked to divulge names and addresses of everyone he knew. They were asked repeatedly what each piece of equipment was for and why they had it. When they were visited by the representative of the consulate it was always in the presence of their captors so that they felt intimidated about saying anything honest. This was translated to us as "not complaining" about their treatment! Maddening!! We were told that they were flown to Abuja, that they were being well cared for; that they were getting medical attention even though one of them who was diabetic was denied his insulin for 2 days. And in the end, they realized that no matter how badly they were treated, they were still being treated better than Nigerians in the same position.
I will continue to share over the next few days. In the meantime, folks who have missed it can see the press conference at these two links: http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_042108WAB_filmmakers_nigeria_seattle_SW.86ff7c15.html#
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/17961724.html
I am so glad to have Sean home. God is good. I am proud of him and his part in trying to draw international attention to what our dependence on oil has wreaked on the Niger Delta.
Basking in the sunshine of a son returned home! Yesterday was long but so satisfying. To see and hug our dear one was the best gift!
We arrived at the airport at 2:15, about the time their flight landed. We trekked upstairs to the conference room that had been reserved for the families to meet up with the crew before the press conference. I was tentative. I didn't know how I was going to respond. Part of me didn't want to be there. I felt like he might need some space. Maybe he would just want to see and spend time with Laurie. I'm a mother. I know how it works. There comes a time in every young man's life when his mother is no longer the central woman in his world. I'm okay with that. Maybe it was a mistake for me to come. Waiting was hard. I felt uneasy. It was weird, surreal. Then, they walked through the doors with their escorts. I hung back. First David and deep, lasting hugs. Then Laurie, and tears and hugs and kisses and more lingering hugs. I shouldn't have come. They need their time, their space. Then, "Mama," and the hug and the joy. We all went into the conference room. More hugs and handshakes--strangers had become friends, more than friends, nearly family. We share a strange, invisible bond with these people who we might otherwise not even met. Then Senator Cantwell entered the room. Mood changed--awe for a moment. She is, after all, a US Senator. But then, she is also just a human being, one to whom we owe a great deal. She was gracious. She met everyone. She asked for their stories. She wanted to know what the "takeaway" was. What should she, should the US government be doing to help change things in the Niger. Then we were interrupted. We had to vacate the conference room and head to the "theater" for the press conference. As we walked toward the stairs we could see down below us a gathering of journalists with tv cameras, still cameras and clipboards and pens. I was walking in the front of the line but quickly gave up my spot. Didn't want to be the first one on film. We made our way into the room where, after everyone was settled, Senator Cantwell made her statements and then introduced the director, Sandy. Sandy read their statement and that is when it hit me. That's when the tears finally came. It was that moment when I realized that we hadn't really known the whole story and God, in his infinite wisdom, had guarded us from the whole truth. If we had not been shielded I would have been paralyzed with fear. The awful truth is that they suffered much worse than we imagined and were possibly in much worse danger than we imagined. From being forced at gunpoint into trucks and hauled from the creeks to Warri to Abuja (hours by truck in the middle of the night) to being deprived of water when it was more than 100 degrees at times in their cells. And yes, the men were kept in a cell behind bars. They were in fact arrested, contrary to what we had been told. and their captors seemed very pleased to have snagged a group of filmmakers. They were interrogated and intimidated. Sean was repeatedly asked to divulge names and addresses of everyone he knew. They were asked repeatedly what each piece of equipment was for and why they had it. When they were visited by the representative of the consulate it was always in the presence of their captors so that they felt intimidated about saying anything honest. This was translated to us as "not complaining" about their treatment! Maddening!! We were told that they were flown to Abuja, that they were being well cared for; that they were getting medical attention even though one of them who was diabetic was denied his insulin for 2 days. And in the end, they realized that no matter how badly they were treated, they were still being treated better than Nigerians in the same position.
I will continue to share over the next few days. In the meantime, folks who have missed it can see the press conference at these two links: http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_042108WAB_filmmakers_nigeria_seattle_SW.86ff7c15.html#
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/17961724.html
I am so glad to have Sean home. God is good. I am proud of him and his part in trying to draw international attention to what our dependence on oil has wreaked on the Niger Delta.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
April 20, 2008 10:48 a.m.
Dear Diary:
As the moment nears and we have Sean safely back in the family fold I become more circumspect. The economy of oil just got really personal for our family. I know that there are many families all over the world for whom it is terribly personal--and destructive--but now it has come home to a family who is as far removed from the oil fields as we can get. My son was put through this trauma because of the economy of oil. That is all. He was there as a journalist to record the impacts of oil production in the Niger Delta--impacts to everyone. They have interviewed folks on all sides: government, industry, military, militant, resident. Oil production affects them all in some way--some needless to say more negatively than others. But it affects them--and us--all. We have allowed the oil economy to supersede our humanity. Just as with all elements of life, power and money become more important than people. They are the world's gods. Look what the oil economy has done in our own country: 9/11, terrorists at home and abroad, war and the sacrifice of our young men and women in the military and the people of middle eastern countries; deeper poverty for our own population...the list goes on. It makes me sick to fill up my car, to buy medications and plastics that require petroleum for production, to purchase anything especially if it required shipping to get here. We in America like to pretend that since we only see the final outcome--the fuel we need available at all times when we need it--we can conveniently turn a blind eye to where it came from and what trouble, pain and terror it causes in the parts of the world unlucky enough to produce it. Enough said...
As the moment nears and we have Sean safely back in the family fold I become more circumspect. The economy of oil just got really personal for our family. I know that there are many families all over the world for whom it is terribly personal--and destructive--but now it has come home to a family who is as far removed from the oil fields as we can get. My son was put through this trauma because of the economy of oil. That is all. He was there as a journalist to record the impacts of oil production in the Niger Delta--impacts to everyone. They have interviewed folks on all sides: government, industry, military, militant, resident. Oil production affects them all in some way--some needless to say more negatively than others. But it affects them--and us--all. We have allowed the oil economy to supersede our humanity. Just as with all elements of life, power and money become more important than people. They are the world's gods. Look what the oil economy has done in our own country: 9/11, terrorists at home and abroad, war and the sacrifice of our young men and women in the military and the people of middle eastern countries; deeper poverty for our own population...the list goes on. It makes me sick to fill up my car, to buy medications and plastics that require petroleum for production, to purchase anything especially if it required shipping to get here. We in America like to pretend that since we only see the final outcome--the fuel we need available at all times when we need it--we can conveniently turn a blind eye to where it came from and what trouble, pain and terror it causes in the parts of the world unlucky enough to produce it. Enough said...
April 20, 2008, 8:35 a.m.
Dear Diary:
Can't come soon enough! Only a few more hours now! They should soon be over US airspace!
We will meet them at the airport and then there will be a press conference. They want as many people there as possible. The latest press release says this:
Can't come soon enough! Only a few more hours now! They should soon be over US airspace!
We will meet them at the airport and then there will be a press conference. They want as many people there as possible. The latest press release says this:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 19, 2008
4:00 PM PDT
AMERICAN FILM CREW RETURNS TO
BY NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT
The four American filmmakers who were detained by Nigerian State Security are now en route to
For the first time they will speak to the press about their weeklong ordeal, as well as the increasingly volatile climate in the Niger Delta. Family members, and representatives from the
Director Sandy Cioffi, producer Tammi Sims and photojournalists Sean Porter and Cliff Worsham were in
A press conference is scheduled for Sunday, April 20th, 4:00 pm PDT at
Saturday, April 19, 2008
April 19, 2008 3:41 p.m. (12:44 a.m. Amsterdam Time)
Dear Diary:
Their plane is enroute! We are now operating on Amsterdam time! They should arrive there about 5:30 a.m. AT and leave about 1:30 p.m. AT and arrive home around 2:15!!!
Their plane is enroute! We are now operating on Amsterdam time! They should arrive there about 5:30 a.m. AT and leave about 1:30 p.m. AT and arrive home around 2:15!!!
April 19, 2008 2:43 p.m. (10:43 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
They are finally on their plane in Lagos about to depart for Amsterdam. We are breathing a collective sigh of relief for each little baby step toward freedom.
They are finally on their plane in Lagos about to depart for Amsterdam. We are breathing a collective sigh of relief for each little baby step toward freedom.
Saturday, April 19 12:20 p.m. (8:20 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
One day closer to seeing our dear one. We know he is in Lagos, Nigeria, having flown there from Abuja today. We know that they are hoping to leave Lagos soon. We are still not able to share too many details but they are well and excited to be coming home. Hopes are high.
With luck we will see them tomorrow...more soon!
One day closer to seeing our dear one. We know he is in Lagos, Nigeria, having flown there from Abuja today. We know that they are hoping to leave Lagos soon. We are still not able to share too many details but they are well and excited to be coming home. Hopes are high.
With luck we will see them tomorrow...more soon!
Friday, April 18, 2008
April 18, 2008 1:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
I'm sorry to be so cryptic but since they are still in country we are trying to be careful. David did get the best birthday present ever...a call from his son! He is safe, healthy and glad to be heading home soon but obviously still very cautious and careful about what he does and says. We still hope to see him by the end of the weekend...
I'm sorry to be so cryptic but since they are still in country we are trying to be careful. David did get the best birthday present ever...a call from his son! He is safe, healthy and glad to be heading home soon but obviously still very cautious and careful about what he does and says. We still hope to see him by the end of the weekend...
April 18, 2008 9:03 a.m. (5:00 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
Correction...not on the way to the airport but definitely free and getting ready to come home. More soon...
Correction...not on the way to the airport but definitely free and getting ready to come home. More soon...
April 18, 2008 8:53 a.m. (3:54 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
It is David's birthday today. We are cautiously hoping that his best present will be his son on a plane headed for American soil. The celebrating will commence when we know that he is at least in Amsterdam. Kind of a lousy birthday week. Not the way one hopes to spend a birthday. But, God willing, will work out fine.
Laurie and I spent hours yesterday afternoon on a mission of love. We scoured and scrubbed every inch of the loft! It is so squeaky clean that you can practically eat off the floor! It was good to keep occupied and do something hopeful and positive...we are confidently making plans for his arrival!
Last night the whole family gathered at the loft to drink a toast to his impending release and to create a giant love note--all the well wishes and prayers printed out on slips of paper and mounted on their giant bulletin boards with photos of folks who have been praying for them and thinking of them. It will show such an outpouring that he could not have imagined. We hope that he will spend days reading them. It was good to reread them ourselves--from the vulgar and brief to the lengthy and poignant.
It is David's birthday today. We are cautiously hoping that his best present will be his son on a plane headed for American soil. The celebrating will commence when we know that he is at least in Amsterdam. Kind of a lousy birthday week. Not the way one hopes to spend a birthday. But, God willing, will work out fine.
Laurie and I spent hours yesterday afternoon on a mission of love. We scoured and scrubbed every inch of the loft! It is so squeaky clean that you can practically eat off the floor! It was good to keep occupied and do something hopeful and positive...we are confidently making plans for his arrival!
Last night the whole family gathered at the loft to drink a toast to his impending release and to create a giant love note--all the well wishes and prayers printed out on slips of paper and mounted on their giant bulletin boards with photos of folks who have been praying for them and thinking of them. It will show such an outpouring that he could not have imagined. We hope that he will spend days reading them. It was good to reread them ourselves--from the vulgar and brief to the lengthy and poignant.
April 18, 2008 8:45 a.m. (3:45 p.m. Nigeria Time
Dear Diary:
We have been on "radio silence" since early yesterday. Encouraged not to say much. Sean and crew were still very much under "detention" even though they had been released to a local hotel. They were supposed to "behave" themselves until they arrived back at the Detention Center this a.m. at 10:00 Nigerian time. How hard it must have been for them to reenter that place even though they were hopeful for the last time. They did arrive as scheduled at 10:00 to go through "final processing" and then sat and waited for more than 4 hours! My nerves are raw at this point. They cannot get out of the city, that country soon enough!
Just got word that they have been officially released, "given their stuff" (not sure if that means everything), and getting ready to depart, hopefully to catch a plane from Abuja to Lagos where they will catch a plane to Amsterdam and finally be off Nigerian soil. It is all pins and needles right now. So political...
We get minute-by-minute updates, practically announcing each breath! They are in the Embassy van now...
We have been on "radio silence" since early yesterday. Encouraged not to say much. Sean and crew were still very much under "detention" even though they had been released to a local hotel. They were supposed to "behave" themselves until they arrived back at the Detention Center this a.m. at 10:00 Nigerian time. How hard it must have been for them to reenter that place even though they were hopeful for the last time. They did arrive as scheduled at 10:00 to go through "final processing" and then sat and waited for more than 4 hours! My nerves are raw at this point. They cannot get out of the city, that country soon enough!
Just got word that they have been officially released, "given their stuff" (not sure if that means everything), and getting ready to depart, hopefully to catch a plane from Abuja to Lagos where they will catch a plane to Amsterdam and finally be off Nigerian soil. It is all pins and needles right now. So political...
We get minute-by-minute updates, practically announcing each breath! They are in the Embassy van now...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 16, 2008 8:58 p.m. (4:58 a.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
Cautious moments for us now...they are out on a conditional release but not out of the country yet. We will rest assured when Sean's feet are firmly planted on Seattle soil. For now we must remain low key but diligent, being careful about what we say. And certainly while we see this as good news our joy is tempered for the time being.
However, our joy at the overwhelming outpouring of support, love, prayers and tears is overflowing! We truly believe that every single prayer, tear, letter, phone call, email, reaching out to anyone who might help came together into that collective whole that made this miracle come true. We are so grateful and humbled...
Sean...sleep well tonite...
Cautious moments for us now...they are out on a conditional release but not out of the country yet. We will rest assured when Sean's feet are firmly planted on Seattle soil. For now we must remain low key but diligent, being careful about what we say. And certainly while we see this as good news our joy is tempered for the time being.
However, our joy at the overwhelming outpouring of support, love, prayers and tears is overflowing! We truly believe that every single prayer, tear, letter, phone call, email, reaching out to anyone who might help came together into that collective whole that made this miracle come true. We are so grateful and humbled...
Sean...sleep well tonite...
April 16, 2008 3:37 p.m. (11:37 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
Joy of joys! The word that comes to us via Sen. Murray and Cantwell's offices and the State Dept in DC is that the US Embassy has picked up the five of them in a van today and taken them to a hotel in Abuja!! We have been told that they have been given a "conditional release" and will have to return on Friday for final processing and to pick up their personal belongings. We hope this will take place quickly so they can head to Lagos to catch their plane home on Sat. evening. We are just waiting with baited breath for any word from any of them. We called the hotel and left a message for Sean. Hopefully soon!
Joy of joys! The word that comes to us via Sen. Murray and Cantwell's offices and the State Dept in DC is that the US Embassy has picked up the five of them in a van today and taken them to a hotel in Abuja!! We have been told that they have been given a "conditional release" and will have to return on Friday for final processing and to pick up their personal belongings. We hope this will take place quickly so they can head to Lagos to catch their plane home on Sat. evening. We are just waiting with baited breath for any word from any of them. We called the hotel and left a message for Sean. Hopefully soon!
April 16, 2008 7:02 a.m. (3:02 p.m. Nigeria Time)
Dear Diary:
Day five begins for us...comes to a close for our dear ones. Still nothing of real substance. What is it that their captors want? If they told us, maybe we could produce it for them and they could set them free.
Friends have been so kind. Wondering what to do. I should tell them that they could write to their senators and congressmen. They could get that information by going to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ or the appropriate place for their state and http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/Legislative.shtml they could find the addresses for state and federal representatives. They could use similar verbiage that the family's used in their letter to Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice:
On Saturday, April 12 four American citizens (Sandy Cioffi, Tammi Sims, Cliff Worsham and Sean Porter) were detained by the Nigerian Government while working on a documentary film project in the Niger Delta. These four individuals are our family, our loved-ones and right now the central focus of our lives. They have now been detained for almost five days--without charges and without being allowed to speak with their attorney. They entered the country legally with the appropriate visas and travel documents, which were up to date and approved by the Nigerian Government in advance of their trip. They broke no laws and have not been charged with a crime. We cannot fathom the reasoning behind their continued detention and the refusal of the Nigerian Government to allow them to speak with their attorney. We urge you to strongly press for the immediate release of these American citizens.
Maybe we could envision our letters as arrows, pricking the collective conscious of their captors or at least the people who have some power to set them free...
Day five begins for us...comes to a close for our dear ones. Still nothing of real substance. What is it that their captors want? If they told us, maybe we could produce it for them and they could set them free.
Friends have been so kind. Wondering what to do. I should tell them that they could write to their senators and congressmen. They could get that information by going to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ or the appropriate place for their state and http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/Legislative.shtml they could find the addresses for state and federal representatives. They could use similar verbiage that the family's used in their letter to Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice:
On Saturday, April 12 four American citizens (Sandy Cioffi, Tammi Sims, Cliff Worsham and Sean Porter) were detained by the Nigerian Government while working on a documentary film project in the Niger Delta. These four individuals are our family, our loved-ones and right now the central focus of our lives. They have now been detained for almost five days--without charges and without being allowed to speak with their attorney. They entered the country legally with the appropriate visas and travel documents, which were up to date and approved by the Nigerian Government in advance of their trip. They broke no laws and have not been charged with a crime. We cannot fathom the reasoning behind their continued detention and the refusal of the Nigerian Government to allow them to speak with their attorney. We urge you to strongly press for the immediate release of these American citizens.
Maybe we could envision our letters as arrows, pricking the collective conscious of their captors or at least the people who have some power to set them free...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
April 15, 2008 3:52 p.m. (11:52 p.m. Nigeria time)
Dear Diary:
I'm weary. I'm worn. I've about used up my anger for the day. I am so grateful for some many supporters. Letters went out today from Senator Cantwell's office to Secty of State Rice, Ambassador Obiozor of Nigeria, and President Yar'Adua of Nigeria. Many other letters are floating around to folks who might help. Maybe its time to start a flood...a flood of letters. If everyone we knew wrote a letter to each of the legislators and governors who represent them and got everyone they knew to write a letter...we could paper the country of Nigeria with letters all demanding the release of our dear ones...
We all need to start being loud and obnoxious I think...
I'm weary. I'm worn. I've about used up my anger for the day. I am so grateful for some many supporters. Letters went out today from Senator Cantwell's office to Secty of State Rice, Ambassador Obiozor of Nigeria, and President Yar'Adua of Nigeria. Many other letters are floating around to folks who might help. Maybe its time to start a flood...a flood of letters. If everyone we knew wrote a letter to each of the legislators and governors who represent them and got everyone they knew to write a letter...we could paper the country of Nigeria with letters all demanding the release of our dear ones...
We all need to start being loud and obnoxious I think...
April 15, 2008 1:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. Nigeria time)
Dear Diary:
The day is over in Nigeria and still no word of any substance. They are still being held; there is still on "ongoing investigation"; they have "not been arrested or charged"; they are still being denied legal counsel or visits from consulate personnel--nothing changes. The only thing offered are vague assurances that this will be resolved "soon." Well, what does "soon" mean? Today? Tomorrow? This month? This year? In relative terms, soon is just not soon enough for me.
I'm tired of not knowing. It is the not knowing that is killing me. All I know is that my baby is on the other side of the world being held against his will in some detention center for no reason. It is time for this to be over. It is soon...
The day is over in Nigeria and still no word of any substance. They are still being held; there is still on "ongoing investigation"; they have "not been arrested or charged"; they are still being denied legal counsel or visits from consulate personnel--nothing changes. The only thing offered are vague assurances that this will be resolved "soon." Well, what does "soon" mean? Today? Tomorrow? This month? This year? In relative terms, soon is just not soon enough for me.
I'm tired of not knowing. It is the not knowing that is killing me. All I know is that my baby is on the other side of the world being held against his will in some detention center for no reason. It is time for this to be over. It is soon...
April 15, 2008 7:25 a.m.
Dear Diary:
Okay. I'm obviously working through the "stages of grief." First I was in shock, then denial, then sadness, then depression, and now...I'M REALLY ANGRY!! I'm so mad that with all the political pressure that we can muster (and it's a lot right now!) and supposedly with good legal representation and an embassy that is supposedly involved...NOTHING SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING!!
Laurie may be right...the SSS/JTF may just be holding them until they were already scheduled to leave (on Friday) because they have nothing to charge them with but they surely want them out of the country with their cameras. But today's Tuesday. That's 3 more days and too many for me! And of course, there are those nagging "what if's"...
Okay. I'm obviously working through the "stages of grief." First I was in shock, then denial, then sadness, then depression, and now...I'M REALLY ANGRY!! I'm so mad that with all the political pressure that we can muster (and it's a lot right now!) and supposedly with good legal representation and an embassy that is supposedly involved...NOTHING SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING!!
Laurie may be right...the SSS/JTF may just be holding them until they were already scheduled to leave (on Friday) because they have nothing to charge them with but they surely want them out of the country with their cameras. But today's Tuesday. That's 3 more days and too many for me! And of course, there are those nagging "what if's"...
April 15, 2008 6:30 a.m.
Dear Diary:
No, I can't seem to sleep and I can't seem to do much else than sit at my computer searching for any news. I did just talk to our longtime friend, Jovita, a native Nigerian now living in the US. Her brother is an attorney in Nigeria and she has been in contact with him. She will pass along all the information and hopefully he will connect with our attorney in Abuja and may be able to offer some help.
The wheels turn too slowly for me. I know they are safe but they are being held hostage and it is time for them to be set free.
No, I can't seem to sleep and I can't seem to do much else than sit at my computer searching for any news. I did just talk to our longtime friend, Jovita, a native Nigerian now living in the US. Her brother is an attorney in Nigeria and she has been in contact with him. She will pass along all the information and hopefully he will connect with our attorney in Abuja and may be able to offer some help.
The wheels turn too slowly for me. I know they are safe but they are being held hostage and it is time for them to be set free.
Monday, April 14, 2008
April 14, 2008 8:30 p.m.
Dear Diary:
We cling to every little bit of news, every attempt made by anyone to help our baby get out of that place. In her own scary place, the wife of Joel wrote these words of encouragement to me today:
We cling to every little bit of news, every attempt made by anyone to help our baby get out of that place. In her own scary place, the wife of Joel wrote these words of encouragement to me today:
Although we were disappointed that they did not get released this morning as our attorney expected, a number of positive things happened today.
April 14 6:00 p.m.
Dear Diary:
Just saw the tv spot on channel 4. It was awfully hard to see my baby's face on the television. Never thought our family would be involved in an international incident. One never knows, I guess. David is right...tv news is really dumbed down entertainment. But it gets the word out and hopefully more pressure. Which reminds me that our Senator Patty Murray sent a letter today to the US Ambassador in Nigeria. Every little bit helps. And here's the latest press release:
Just saw the tv spot on channel 4. It was awfully hard to see my baby's face on the television. Never thought our family would be involved in an international incident. One never knows, I guess. David is right...tv news is really dumbed down entertainment. But it gets the word out and hopefully more pressure. Which reminds me that our Senator Patty Murray sent a letter today to the US Ambassador in Nigeria. Every little bit helps. And here's the latest press release:
CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leslye Wood, Press Secretary, Sweet Crude Movie
Phone: 206.282.0880 / 206.915.4339
Email: media@sweetcrudemovie.com
Louise Rafkin
Phone: 510.928.3612
Email: louise@louiserafkin.com
UPDATE: AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS DETAINED IN NIGER DELTA
SEATTLE, April 14, 2008 – Nigerian government officials finally allowed a U.S. Embassy representative to visit the four American filmmakers being held in custody in Abuja by Nigerian State Security. This is the government’s first concession since detaining the Seattle-based film crew on Saturday morning.
Senators Maria Cantwell, Russ Feingold, John Kerry and John Tester are currently working the channels to press the U.S. State Department to get involved.
The four Americans, along with a Nigerian citizen, were taken into custody by the Nigerian military April 12th, while traveling by boat in the Niger Delta. The filmmakers had been issued a visa by the Nigerian government granting them permission to return to Nigeria complete their documentary, Sweet Crude. The film crew has been actively documenting the impact of oil production on the Niger Delta since 2005 and was known to authorities.
Director Sandy Cioffi, along with producer Tammi Sims and photojournalists Cliff Worsham and Sean Porter entered the country legally on April 5th. They were accompanied by Joel Bisina, a Nigerian being held in custody with them. Bisina is the founder of a Warri-based NGO, Niger Delta Professionals for Development.
No communication has been received since Saturday April 12th, 8:30 am PDT. Family, friends and colleagues are making a plea for safe and immediate release.
April 14, 2008 3:00 p.m.
Dear Diary:
If there is anything positive about this it is that we are reminded again of what an amazing network of friends and family by which we are surrounded. Their thoughts, prayers and kind words buoy us up. It is also comforting to know that so many are so well-connected and ready to offer concrete help.
We are also pleased to have folks in high places on our side. We know that Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are working through their staffs to make contact with the embassy in Nigeria and doing what they can to resolve this situation. As David has said, no one can say we haven't tried every angle.
If there is anything positive about this it is that we are reminded again of what an amazing network of friends and family by which we are surrounded. Their thoughts, prayers and kind words buoy us up. It is also comforting to know that so many are so well-connected and ready to offer concrete help.
We are also pleased to have folks in high places on our side. We know that Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are working through their staffs to make contact with the embassy in Nigeria and doing what they can to resolve this situation. As David has said, no one can say we haven't tried every angle.
April 14 2008 12:03 p.m.
Dear Diary:
Stomach in knots...can't concentrate...so much information coming and yet not coming. Seems like the more we know the more questions are raised. Have had word from a representative of the Overseas Citizen Services (OCS) in the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs who has spoken with a representative of the Embassy in Nigeria who visited with Sean (and apparently the others) and had this to report:
They complained of being tired. They did not complain about being mistreated. They supposedly are given medication if needed but he could not confirm that this included their regular Malaria meds which are crucial. They have not been "arrested" or "charged" but are being "detained for questioning." The ‘local authorities” are conducting an investigation. They have been told that investigation will be concluded “shortly." The have continued to insist they did nothing wrong.
So...basically...we know very little. As I said, more questions than answers...
Stomach in knots...can't concentrate...so much information coming and yet not coming. Seems like the more we know the more questions are raised. Have had word from a representative of the Overseas Citizen Services (OCS) in the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs who has spoken with a representative of the Embassy in Nigeria who visited with Sean (and apparently the others) and had this to report:
They complained of being tired. They did not complain about being mistreated. They supposedly are given medication if needed but he could not confirm that this included their regular Malaria meds which are crucial. They have not been "arrested" or "charged" but are being "detained for questioning." The ‘local authorities” are conducting an investigation. They have been told that investigation will be concluded “shortly." The have continued to insist they did nothing wrong.
So...basically...we know very little. As I said, more questions than answers...
April 14, 2008 10:55 a.m.
Dear Diary:
By now the story is being picked up around the globe, including our local news. This is what our group sent out today:
We pray that good news will be posted soon.
By now the story is being picked up around the globe, including our local news. This is what our group sent out today:
CONTACT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leslye Wood, Press Secretary, Sweet Crude Movie
Phone: 206.282.0880 / 206.915.4339
Email: media@sweetcrudemovie.com
Louise Rafkin, Studio Naga
Phone: 510.928.3612
Email: louise@louiserafkin.com
American documentary filmmakers detained in Niger Delta
SEATTLE, April 13, 2008 – Four Americans have been detained and are being held in custody against their will in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. The four, along with a Nigerian citizen, were taken into custody by the Nigerian military April 12th, while traveling by boat in Delta state in the Niger Delta.
An attorney has been retained for the group but has been denied contact with them. He has also been denied information pertaining to what charges, if any, have been filed. Certain media accounts reported that the group was detained and held for their own protection. These reports are incorrect, and were disputed by members of the team before contact with them was cut off by the authorities.
The Seattle-based group are filming Sweet Crude, a documentary about oil production in the Níger Delta. Director Sandy Cioffi, Tammi Sims, Cliff Worsham and Sean Porter entered the country legally on April 5th, having notified authorities about their intentions to film and to make a visit to a library they had helped build.
The four were also being briefed on a leadership institute planned by Joel Bisina, the Nigerian in custody with them. Bisina is a longtime peace mediator and community development expert in the region, and founder of Warri-based NGO Niger Delta Professionals for Development.
No communication has been received since Saturday April 12th, 8:30 am PDT. Contact has been made with the U.S. State Department, U.S. lawmakers, Nigerian politicians and international human rights organizations, calling for help in securing the group’s safety. Family, friends and colleagues are making a plea for their immediate release.
-- end --
We pray that good news will be posted soon.
April 14 2008 10:00 a.m.
Dear Diary:
It's now 6:00 p.m. Nigeria time and no word except an email earlier from our connector here, Leslye Wood, that she got word at around 7:30 our time that "the embassy representative" was on her way over to see the group. There was apparently some phone contact over the weekend but we don't between who or what was discussed. Basically a lot of non-information. Leslye tried calling the rep but no answer and now she's working through another group to try to get info from the embassy. Frustration! I don't know if they'll keep working through the night on this or if their work day is over and we won't get anything til tomorrow.
It's now 6:00 p.m. Nigeria time and no word except an email earlier from our connector here, Leslye Wood, that she got word at around 7:30 our time that "the embassy representative" was on her way over to see the group. There was apparently some phone contact over the weekend but we don't between who or what was discussed. Basically a lot of non-information. Leslye tried calling the rep but no answer and now she's working through another group to try to get info from the embassy. Frustration! I don't know if they'll keep working through the night on this or if their work day is over and we won't get anything til tomorrow.
April 14 2008
Dear Diary:
Scary times for Mama Camel. My baby is being held by Security Sources in Nigeria--a world away and too far for this mama. Here's what I know for now: He and his traveling companions were in the Delta with their film equipment doing some "pick-up" work on the film they started two years ago. On Saturday a.m. Nigeria time they were picked up by the JTF (the military Joint Task Force) on the charge of "traveling illegally by boat." They were picked up in the Warri area and taken to the capital, Abuja, where we have heard they are being detained at the Defense Headquarters. One of the members of their group, Joel Bisini, a Nigerian with dual-American citizenship and head of an NGO (non-governmental organization) called Niger Delta Development, has an attorney who is working on connecting with the Chief of Defense, General Azazi. We know that many folks are involved in trying to get information and get them released--everyone from the Nigerian Vice President to our own Senator Maria Cantwell's office. We know that while they were not doing anything illegal they were doing something controversial as many people in the Nigerian government would rather not have outsiders know what is really happening in the Delta to the people and the environment. We pray for more information and for their release soon. We are holding up but of course can't focus on anything else and we hang on every word that we hear from our connections and the press. More later...
Scary times for Mama Camel. My baby is being held by Security Sources in Nigeria--a world away and too far for this mama. Here's what I know for now: He and his traveling companions were in the Delta with their film equipment doing some "pick-up" work on the film they started two years ago. On Saturday a.m. Nigeria time they were picked up by the JTF (the military Joint Task Force) on the charge of "traveling illegally by boat." They were picked up in the Warri area and taken to the capital, Abuja, where we have heard they are being detained at the Defense Headquarters. One of the members of their group, Joel Bisini, a Nigerian with dual-American citizenship and head of an NGO (non-governmental organization) called Niger Delta Development, has an attorney who is working on connecting with the Chief of Defense, General Azazi. We know that many folks are involved in trying to get information and get them released--everyone from the Nigerian Vice President to our own Senator Maria Cantwell's office. We know that while they were not doing anything illegal they were doing something controversial as many people in the Nigerian government would rather not have outsiders know what is really happening in the Delta to the people and the environment. We pray for more information and for their release soon. We are holding up but of course can't focus on anything else and we hang on every word that we hear from our connections and the press. More later...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
