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February 15, 2023

Papuan Independence Fighters Hold New Zealand Pilot Hostage, Demand Freedom from Indonesia
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Independence fighters in the Indonesian region of Papua have taken a
pilot from New Zealand hostage after he landed his plane on a remote
airstrip. Members of the West Papua National Liberation Army have vowed
to hold the pilot, Philip Mehrtens, until the Indonesian government
acknowledges Papuan independence. The liberation group released photos
of the pilot along with a brief video statement from one of the group's
commanders.

Egianus Kogoya: "We will not release without the freedom of Papua, and
we will keep detaining the pilot. So the whole country of Indonesia
should open their eyes and acknowledge the freedom of Papua."



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