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OFFICIAL WEBSITE SUPPORTING CANADIAN WRONGFULLY JAILED IN MEXICO |
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July 13, 2010 Dear Friends I am long overdue in keeping you informed of what has transpired in the last 8 months. It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since my daily picketing outside the Mexican consulate through July and August of last year. I know I should keep you updated on a more regular basis about Pavel's case but with my daily emotional struggles, begging the Canadian Government to help, as well as the emotional set backs it has on me and the girls, I find it hard to sit down and put my thoughts on paper - it feels like the light at the end of the tunnel will never appear. Here is what has happened since my last update: A major development occurred on April 3-2010 when Memo Cruz informed me that the Amparo judge had reached a decision as to the charges against Pavel. The charge of drug trafficking was dismissed. No ruling has been made on the charge of "being a member of organized crime". I was informed, and it was to my surprise to hear, that a review panel of three judges has to review the Amparo judge’s decision, and is given 4-6 months to agree or disagree with this decision. In the meantime, Pavel’s new lawyer, Lic. Mondragon, has filed an appeal against the Amparo judge’s decision to let the “member of organized crime” charge stand. On April 10 of this year Ramona Penner (Pavel’s family doctor from Vancouver) visited Pavel at the Guadalajara prison for an hour; this is her report: “Hi Jirina, Isabella and Annie, I saw Pavel today for one hour. He appeared happy to see me and we talked a mile a minute for the hour we were allowed. He misses you and the girls terribly and said he hadn’t seen his girls for 749 days (I may have the exact number wrong, but he is counting the days). He asked me to kiss both girls on the forehead when I see them. We talked about your time in Los Barilles and how he met Carlos, his arrest and the terror he felt travelling to Mexico City not knowing why he had been arrested. We talked about the Amparo and it appears that the drug part of it has been dismissed so his only standing charge is being a member of organized crime. I think from what he said the lawyer plans to close the case, separate it and then appeal the "being member of organized crime", as Carlos said in his initial statement that Pavel had no idea of his real identity and was not involved. Pavel is very happy with his lawyer and feels confident that he will get him out in a matter of time. He has plans for new projects when he is released. He said it was very difficult as he is locked in his cell for 22 hours a day, with only 4 hours a week outside and one hour a week to paint, two hours for dominoes, the other time he is allowed out of his cell, is for meals. Other than that we talked about travelling, adventure and your trip to Europe several years ago. The time went by very quickly and we certainly could have used more. I hope he was uplifted by the visit and I did tell him that many people who he does not know are thinking of and praying for him.” The officials at Consular Affairs in Ottawa, in particular Josee Menard, the Canadian Ambassador in Mexico City, Mr Rishchynski and the consular officials at the Consulate in Guadalajara have all been very helpful in keeping Pavel and us informed about the progress or lack thereof in Pavel’s case. Mr Rishchynski has made several visits with Pavel and the judges involved in the case. Further involvement by Mr Rishchynski with regards to the Amparo decision and the review tribunal will be very much appreciated. Love to you and the girls, Ramona" Josef (Pavel's best friend) visited Pavel in the prison in Guadalajara on May 19, 2010. As you can imagine, this was a very emotional meeting. Josef said: "It should be clear to all of us that this situation cannot continue much longer. Anyone who is locked up in a prison cell 22 hours a day, 7 days a week for 26 months, and counting, will eventually loose his/her mind". I encourage you all to please make a concerted effort to address Pavel’s situation with the politicians in Ottawa, in particular Mr. Harper and Mr. Cannon, who so far have rejected our pressure to intervene directly in the case with their Mexican counterparts. On June 10th Ramona accompanied me on my second trip to Ottawa, to attempt another plea with our Canadian Government officials, to speed up the process. They assured me that the Canadian Goverment was touching the Mexican system at every level and that they were trying to expedite the case, and if this had happened to anyone on Canadian soil, the case would take as long. (I find that very hard to believe) Shortly after our visit to Ottawa, I received an email from the Canadian Consulate informing me that Pavel's visitation from the Canadian Consular officials in Guadalajara, was reduced from a bi-monthly visit to a monthly visit. I know that Pavel really looked forward to these frequent visits, as it helped him distract from his living nightmare. Although the visits have become less frequent, I am very thankful and grateful to the Canadian consulate people in Guadalajara, for their ongoing support and their willingness to make the effort to see Pavel. When inquiring about the progress regarding the review of the Amparo Judge's decision by the panel of 3 judges, I was told that the panel had not yet received the documentation for review (which should have taken place beginning of April). They have only now, after almost 3 months, received this documentation and hopefully a decision will be made within the next 4-6 months. It is because of these constant set backs and time delays, I often find myself discouraged and fail to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I frequently ask myself "Will our family ever be whole again?" My Friends, I thank you for your continuous support, help and encouragement. I ask that you please pray for my family and I, to give us the strength to deal with our living nightmare and for our family to be permanently reunited as soon as possible. My Warmest and Best Wishes to you all, Jirina October 21, 2009 View the entire letter and the synopsis of event as PDF here. Dear friends, First of all, thank you for your comments, supporting emails and inquiries of the last few months, especially the last few weeks. It's been a while since my last post, I’m sorry, I simply haven’t had the time. Our girls are now both attending school, Annie started a kindergarten and that has been a big adjustment in our collective lives. Luckily, Isabella started with most of her friends from the last year in the same class which made the start of grade 2 a bit easier. I have been trying to juggle morning chores, dropping off girls at school, dealing with various issues related to Pavel's case during the few hours before I have to rush to pick up Annie, pick up Isabella a few hours later, then off to work till late in the evening, getting home just in time to put both girls to bed, well most nights. By the end of the day, I am exhausted. My apologies for my disappearance. Here are the latest developments. On September 25th, Mr. Andrew Saxton, M.P.(North Vancouver) Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board visited Pavel in Puente Grande. The decision to visit Pavel in Mexico was his personal decision. The goal of the visit was a fact finding mission for Mr. Saxton to meet Pavel and our government officials in Mexico to see first hand his situation in order to gain greater insight and understanding of the case. I am very thankful for that. I met with Mr. Saxton last year before he was elected and we have been discussing Pavel's situation ever since. Mr Saxton promised to continue to do what he can until this matter is resolved. Mr. Saxton made arrangements for me to meet with government officials in Ottawa, on October 6th. Without going into too much detail, Mr. Cruz ( our lawyer ) and I had an opportunity to present a document stating all the instances where due process of law under the Mexican judiciary system has not been followed, in Pavel`s case in particular. Even though, we were not promised, I am hopeful that our government will be conscientious and passionate about Canadian values, the freedom, the democracy, human rights and rule of law, as Mr. Deepak Obhrai, M.P. (Calgary East), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was present at the meeting, expressed recently in House of Commons and will be willing and able to stand up for Pavel. Here is a quote from Mr. Obhrai speech: “All men abroad, all Canadians know that they can count on this government”. I know Pavel is. To view Mr. Obhrai's speech please forward to 14:09 min on the link here. Thank you to all the participants in the meeting, especially, Mr. John Weston M.P. (West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country) and Darryl Whitehead, Special Assistant Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada for their time and support. My sincere gratitude goes to the ladies in the Department of Consular Affairs. To Monique, Gail and Patricia. You are amazing women. Your hard work and efforts on all fronts is very much appreciated. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet with Hon. Dan McTeague, M.P. Pickering-Scarborough and Official Opposition Critic for Consumer Affairs and Consular Services. Dan, your expertise and support is very much appreciated. I am attaching more detailed synopsis of events from my trip on Ottawa for those who are more familiar with Pavel’s case. Thanks again for your support. Best Wishes, Jirina and family August 19, 2009 6th week. My secret hope for miracle that Pavel will just show up home this summer is vanishing slowly but surely. I am not surprised I knew it but it's that hope that gave me the energy to continue my daily routine of rallying instead of spending time with my daughters. And what a fabulous summer we have been having this year. With 2 weeks left I ponder..."Was it worth it? Did I accomplish anything?" I toss both answers in my head .."No, it was not worth it", simply because Pavel is still in prison, the trial is still not any closer and no visible or tangible progress has been made. But then, I get overwhelmed with emotions: "Of course it was worth it". I have met so many wonderful and compassionate people, I have made new true friendships. I have been blessed with love from my friends who support me daily, who make an effort and find time to make sure that I am never standing alone. I am humbled. Thank you. August 4, 2009 Day 18. For some reason I focused on people, who were fully indulged in their own world, business or personal and didn't seem to be present whatsoever. I wished I could do the same as I stand there. The moment I haven't had anybody around and didn't need to be focused, my mind slips away and trying to comprehend the huge question I am asking myself how am I going to win this war ? With no right connections, no experience, no money...the war I can't afford to loose for the sake of my family. July 30, 2009 Day 17. I am asking myself how long or what else will I have to do before somebody in the goverment is going to help me. Am I asking for too much? Is it too much for our government to apply pressure to the Mexicans, so Pavel can receive fair and speedy trial? Would they risk the status of their political relationship? I have no doubt if a member of their own family had to suffer the same misfortunate fate, the outcome would be very different with immediate intervention taking place. As a loyal Canadians don't we deserve the same? July 29, 2009 Day 16. With the heat wave we are having right now, I can't help but to think of times back in Mexico. I remember swimming towards the sunrise at 6 am, before everyone else in the family woke up. Then quick breakfast before dropping off Isabella to preschool and house chores before it got too hot. I loved afternoons. We had so much fun. Too hot to be working around the house, it was a beach time. Girls loved selling sandy ice creams and building houses out of washed up logs and towels. And now...hiding from the scorching sun and memories, I am handing out flyers to strangers at noon about my family's ordeal. At times, it does not feel it's me, my family I am talking about, it is so surreal at times... all the time. July 27, 2009 Day 15. The week ended as it started, on a very low note. I feel hopeless and I am outraged. Why my phone calls and messages to foreign affairs office in Ottawa are not answered and my messages are not returned. All I get is the same sentence from the receptionist: when there is an update you will get a call. How can there be an update if no one works on Pavel's case? Yet, all my friends are receiving reassuring responses to their letters that foreign affairs is looking into Pavel's situation and in constant touch with me. Lies and more lies. July 20, 2009 Day 11. My brief conversation with Pavel this morning set a very low and emotional mood for me. Every week his voice is more and more desolate and dreary. How much longer will he last before he'll do something outrageous and drastic ? How much comfort can I offer in 5 minutes a week? I am overwhelmed by guilt and desperation, what else can I do ? Andrew, thank you for that hug. Sovleig, I couldn't have done it without you today, thank you. July 20, 2009 Day 10. Thank you Josef for speaking with Consul General on my behalf. I am very humbled by the support I have received today. I have met with family of professionals who are keen on providing help. Thank you so much ! July 17, 2009 Day 9. It seems to me that I am meeting with more sincere and concerned people every day. Thank for your moral support and offers to help. Thank you Petra for joining me again. July 16, 2009 Day 8. Thank you Thea for joining me today and expressing your concerns about my family's situation to the Consul General. July 15, 2009 Day 7. Thank you Lauren for coming with me today. It's been less than 2 weeks and I have heard more true stories on imprisonment in Mexico and other countries, even Japan. In all accounts, Canadians did not receive any support from our government. Why is it so difficult for the government to stand up and looked after its own? Our country is fighting for freedom and democracy of Afghanis, yet it's not willing to fight for freedom of a fellow countryman. What can we do to change it? July 14, 2009 Day 6. I met with the Mexican Consul General today. It was a brief meeting and not very productive. When I raised the issue about Pavel's mistreatment in the prison and his medical condition, Consul had suggested that I go and visit with Pavel and I find out for myself what's his condition is like. Further to our conversation, it became clear to me that Consul is not very well informed about his own country's policies and procedures at least when it comes to the imprisonment in high security prison and the bureaucracy associated visitor's access to high security prison; I was extremely frustrated. Petra, thank you for your support today. July 13, 2009 Day 5. Today I heard very similar story to Pavel's and once again, was reminded of Mexican injustice. One lady stopped by and told me how her relative got arrested in Mexico while on a business trip. After two years in Mexican prison with false accusations and drug related charges and without any support from the Canadian government, he did eventually get acquitted. I am hopeful that one day the truth will prevail and Pavel will be set free. But when? Will he survive till that day? In what condition? Will this agony damage him permanently, how about girls and me? How will my family recover from this, will we? July 10, 2009 Day 4. I am getting used to and more comfortable to speak with people. It really helps to have friends with me. Thank you Hans and Jozef for joining me again. Even one lady contacted me and offered to join me next week. I am very thankful. July 9, 2009 Day 3. Today was actually productive day. I met people who actively listened and had good suggestions for me. One gentleman even took action later in the day and contacted me with some information. After a long time I felt encouraged again to keep on fighting this ordeal. Also, I have met with the Vice Consul for Mexico today. She promised to carry my "concerns" forward. I will continue to rally until I see my husband on Canadian soil again. I can't wait. Hans, thank you for joining me today and thank you to all people who stopped by. July 8, 2009 Day 2. Lot better day today. Despite the rain and cold weather people stopped by and listened. I have met very nice people and some even promised to help. Thank you Lauren for joining me today. The highlight of the day was an interview with Nikki at 1pm from The Nikki Renshaw Show, 1410 AM radio station, www.talk1410.com . This radio station has been behind me since the beginning and is always interested in updates. I can't thank enough Libby (the producer of the show) and Nikki for their continuous support. Thank you guys! July 7, 2009 Day 1. Not as easy as I thought. Handling out flyers, or at least trying, to strangers who did not even bother to look at me was painful. I was starting to feel discouraged, the plain ignorance of people was getting to me right away. I was telling myself: "I can't do this" and I just wanted to give up and go home. Thanks to my friend S. who has joined me, I stayed and kept on approaching passersby. Then one man, well dressed started to talk to me and was really interested to learn more. As I explained my ordeal to him he was getting outraged, he suggested that I go and confront Mex. Consulate. When I refused he himself went and approached Mexican Consulate office. Even tough, I have no idea who this man was, what his background was and what the outcome of his "intervention" was, at the end I did feel somewhat uplifted..people may actually care. I thank you all people who took interest today. Jirina | |