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A Queensland professor held hostage by an armed gang demanding ransom in Papua New Guinea has been released, with a week of tense negotiations brought to an end by a covert operation in the country’s remote highlands.
University of Southern Queensland vice chancellor Geraldine Mackenzie confirmed Professor Bryce Barker, a New Zealand national, was released in PNG on Sunday.
“We are relieved to confirm that our much-loved colleague from the University of Southern Queensland, Professor Bryce Barker, has been released today,” she said.
“Professor Barker and his research team were in Papua New Guinea undertaking archaeological research.
“Bryce is a highly regarded archaeologist and a valued colleague at the University of Southern Queensland and in the wider archaeological community. He has many years experience in undertaking research in PNG.”
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the trio were freed following a covert operation involving his nation’s defence and police forces.
A fourth member of the team was released earlier in the week.
“We apologise to the families of those taken as hostages for ransom,” Marape said.
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