New Zealand, Indonesia rubbish bribe claims for pilot’s release: ‘this is a disgrace’
The release of pilot Phillip Mehrtens after 19 months in captivity has sparked controversy as Papuan rebels claimed payments were made
Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the group, said the Indonesian government gave money to the acting chief of the Papuan district where Mehrtens was freed, accusing him of then paying the rebels, without providing evidence.
“The Indonesian military and police gave bribe money to Edison Gwijangge and his team,” he said in a statement on Monday, referring to the acting head of Nduga regency.
The funds then landed with the rebels “through a family system”, Sambom said. “The TPNPB … handed over the pilot to Edison. Then Edison … handed over the pilot to the Indonesian military and police.”
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters quickly rubbished any suggestion that Wellington was involved in payment for Mehrtens’ release, saying it was diplomacy that secured his freedom.