Today, on May 12th there has been a year since Tjostolv called his father, and was told to surrender to the closest police authority. I was informed on May 8th that Tjostolv was missing in Congo, by the police in Vegårshei. The following Monday we heard that Joshua was arrested. No one had any information about Tjostolv. Late Monday evening we heard that Tjostolv was arrested as well. This proved to be incorrect. He was still running for his life in the jungle.
The hours between when he was told by his father to surrender until we got confirmation that he was “safe”, were long. I was terrified. What has happened? Why is he on the run?
A year has passed, a dramatic year. My son is convicted for murdering a defenseless driver in cold blood. I get chills when I write this sentence. It’s unreal.
Since the arrest he has been convicted to death 5 times, and 20 years of imprisonment twice in two court rounds.
In the beginning of October he was seriously ill of malaria. Joshua and Seaman’s priest Knut Lyngseth acted quickly and saved his life. He is fine physically, but mentally something has happened. He calls home and says many strange things. He is admitted into “hospital” and “gets treatment”. We don’t hear anything for about 14 days. Then he is able to call, but he is far from well. He is overly medicated and he feels like he is going to be a junkie. Eventually he is taken back to the prison where he is with Joshua during the day, and sleeps with other inmates at night. Joshua really got to show what a good and faithful friend he is during this period. Tjostolv is slowly getting better mentally without any medical help. The treatment that was promised never came.
Has it been only pain and nothing but pain this year? No, it hasn’t. From the first simple card I found in my mailbox untill today, we’ve received an incredible support from near and far, from both known and unknown. I’ve received flowers, gifts, SMS, e-mails, phone calls, postcards, and letters. People I know and people I don’t know have come with encouragement. I have been moved many a time. In addition there is everyone who has paid into Tjostolv’s support account, and those who gave me money for my trip to Kisangani.
From May 5th of this year until today, my thoughts have circulated a lot about what happened a year ago. Back then it was speculations about what actually had happened that consumed me. Now we wait for the next trial, and my head is filled with many more questions: What will be the verdict this time? Will there be an appeal, or will the other part appeal? When can the Foreign Ministry start negotiating for a transfer to Norway? What will the conditions for the transfer be, and how long will it take?
The uncertainty is hard for the boys. They can’t lose faith and the belief of a positive ending. Us at home do what we can to help them, physically and mentally. The fact that so many of you support us and are engaged in this case in a positive way, keeps us going.
In my last SMS to Tjostolv via our helper I wrote: “I hear the trial has been postponed. Keep your spirits up. There are a lot of people who think about you and feel, like you, that enough is enough. I love you. Mommy."
In gratitude to all of you who support Joshua and Tjostolv.
Mathilde Moland, Vegårshei, May 12th 2010
