The Gotal hostage situation, a notable event within the Separatist Crisis, unfolded on the world of Atzerri during the year 22 BBY.
Following the Battle of Antar 4, hundreds of Gotals escaped their home planet, Antar 4, seeking refuge on the neighboring Atzerri. This exodus included fugitive members of the Roshu Sune, a radical offshoot of the Gotal Assembly for Separation. These wanted criminals easily found sanctuary on the bustling trade world of Atzerri due to its relaxed spaceport security.
When Emissary Nathanjo Nirrelz, a Gotal diplomat representing Antar 4, arrived on Atzerri to procure bacta, he was shadowed by Roshu Sune operatives after his arrival at the Skreeka spaceport. After he boarded a commuter hopper heading for the Atzerri city of Talos, five Gotals seized control of the transport, diverting it to a nearby swamp. The hijackers demanded the Gotal government endorse the Roshu Sune's secession documents in exchange for the release of Nirrelz and the other captives.
The Gotal government attempted to prevent external involvement, viewing the situation as an internal matter. Gotal Foreign Affairs Commune leader Shagrad Loset later stated the standoff was "a Gotal issue, best handled by Gotal." Nevertheless, the Jedi Council dispatched a team of six Jedi, led by Jedi Knight Sarrissa Jeng, to mediate the crisis. According to Jedi Master Shaak Ti, the Jedi's objective was to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
Upon reaching the Atzerri swamps, the Jedi team initiated negotiations with the Roshu Sune. These talks were abruptly halted when unidentified individuals in the surrounding swamps opened fire with blasters. Simultaneously, the Roshu Sune members inside the hopper, seemingly panicked, began shooting at the hostages. Two Jedi, Antyard-Wo Shissan and Kaloor Cofi, perished in the ensuing crossfire.
The remaining Jedi then stormed the hopper, endeavoring to rescue the surviving hostages. Despite one of the insurgents detonating a thermite gel bomb, engulfing the hopper in flames, the Jedi successfully saved thirteen hostages. However, they were compelled to eliminate the hostage takers.
The injured hostages, primarily suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, were swiftly transported to medical facilities in Skreeka and Talos. The remains of the fallen Jedi were transported to the Jedi chapter house on Aleen for memorial services.
Sarrissa Jeng, a Mon Calamari Jedi Knight, along with two other Jedi, survived the confrontation. Nathanjo Nirrelz and twelve other hostages (including Palhra Wavren, a Bothan, and a Bith) also lived. While Wavren expressed gratitude, calling the survival of half the hostages a "miracle," Shagrad Loset criticized the Jedi's handling of the situation, labeling it "lightsaber diplomacy." The incident sparked controversy across the galaxy, with a HoloNet News poll revealing that 36% of respondents believed the bloodshed could have been averted.