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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Eva Corlett and agencies

New Zealand pilot kidnapped a year ago in West Papua will be freed, rebel group says

Phillip Mehrtens New Zealand Winston Peters kidnapped Sebby Sambom West Papua Indonesia Stuff Susi Air Tempo
In an image provided by separatist fighters in Papua, rebels surround New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in March 2023.
In an image provided by separatist fighters in West Papua, rebels surround New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in March 2023. Photograph: The West Papua/Reuters

Rebels in Indonesia’s West Papua region have said they will release a New Zealand pilot who was taken hostage a year ago as a bargaining chip for their independence movement.

The chief of general staff of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB), Terianus Satto, said in a statement the pilot would be released in order to protect humanity and safeguard human rights.

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