Philip Mehrtens reportedly freed from captivity in West Papua

Journalist held for two weeks released without ransom being paid

Papua New Guinea authorities have confirmed the release of New Zealand journalist Philip Mehrtens, two weeks after he was taken hostage in the remote highlands of West Papua.

Mehrtens, 49, a freelancer who has worked for major media organizations including the BBC and Al Jazeera, was seized by armed rebels on February 7 while reporting on the ongoing conflict in the resource-rich Indonesian province.

The West Papua National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and demanded a hefty ransom for Mehrtens's release.

However, according to Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Saki Soloma, no ransom was paid to secure Mehrtens's freedom. Rather, he claims that negotiations between the Papua New Guinea government and the rebels led to Mehrtens's safe release.

Mehrtens is said to be in good health but is receiving medical attention at a hospital in neighboring Papua New Guinea. He is expected to return to New Zealand in the coming days.

The journalist's release has been met with relief and joy by his family, friends, and colleagues, who had been anxiously awaiting news of his whereabouts and safety.

The kidnapping of Mehrtens has once again highlighted the security risks faced by journalists who report on the conflict in West Papua, a region that has been plagued by violence and human rights abuses for decades.

International press freedom organizations have condemned the kidnapping and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Mehrtens's release is a reminder of the importance of independent journalism, especially in conflict zones, where it is essential to provide accurate and impartial reporting on the human cost of war.