Photo: Supplied/TPNPBSeparatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region have released video footage of the New Zealand pilot taken hostage a week ago. In the videos sent to RNZ Pacific, Mehrtens was surrounded by several West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) fighters. Mehrtens, who appeared wearing a blue denim jacket and a Free West Papua T-shirt, read a prepared statement in which he repeated the rebels' demands. In one video he said: "The Papuan military have taken me captive in their efforts for Papua. Papuan rebels seeking independence from Indonesia have previously issued threats and even attacked aircraft they believe to be carrying personnel and supplies for Jakarta.

Source: Stuff February 15, 2023 03:40 UTC