Relief as Australian archeologist kidnapped and held hostage by gunman in Papua New Guinea jungle is freed after ‘covert operations’
- Australian-based academic freed from PNG kidnappers
- PNG says Bryce Barker freed by ‘covert operations’
- Three others freed but $1.4million ransom was not paid
An Australian-based archaeologist and two Papua New Guinea citizens have been released from captivity after being taken hostage by armed criminals in a remote part of PNG several days ago.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Sunday that all hostages had been safely released.
‘I welcome news from PNG that all hostages have been released and will soon be reunited with their families,’ she said on Twitter.
The academic, Bryce Barker, and the other hostages were reportedly held at gunpoint by 20 armed men a week ago, according to a PNG police incident report.
Professor Barker is a New Zealand national, but he is based at the University of Southern Queensland.
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister has tweeted this picture of the freed Australian academic Bryce Barker (pictured left)
The highly regarded and experienced archaeologist and his research crew were conducting fieldwork in the remote Southern Highlands province of PNG when they were taken hostage by the armed group.
PNG authorities confirmed the release of one hostage on Friday.
The final three hostages – the professor and two PNG women – have now been freed safely.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the final three hostages were secured ‘through covert operations’ without paying the $3.5 million kina ($1.4 million) ransom.
‘To criminals, there is no profit in crime,’ he wrote on Facebook.
The armed group that took Professor Barker (pictured) and others hostage in the remote PNG Southern Highlands had demanded a ransom of $1.4million for their release
He thanked all officials involved in the operation.
The vice-chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland expressed relief and thanked the PNG, Australian and New Zealand governments.
‘We are relieved to hear that our much-loved colleague from the University of Southern Queensland Professor Bryce Barker has been released today,’ Geraldine Mackenzie said in on Sunday.
She described Prof Barker as a valued colleague who had many years’ experience undertaking research in PNG.
‘Our deepest thanks go to the governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and the many people who worked tirelessly during this extremely difficult and sensitive time to secure their release,’ Prof Mackenzie said.
Professor Barker (pictured centre left) and his team were conducting fieldwork in the remote Southern Highlands when they were abducted
Senator Wong thanked the PNG’s government for its leadership in securing a safe and peaceful resolution.
‘Also thanks to the Australian and NZ officials who helped support this outcome,’ she said.
A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman also thanked the PNG government for its leadership in securing the hostages’ release.
‘We are extremely pleased that the hostage situation is resolved and we are relieved for the hostages and their whānau (family),’ she said.
Another New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens, who is a pilot that formerly worked for Jetstar, is being held hostage by a separatist rebel group in the remote West Papuan province of Nguda.
There has been no new information on the situation for Mr Mehrtens, who has been held hostage since February 7.
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