West Papuan activist Benny Wenda 'held' in PNG

1:15 pm on 25 March 2015

The West Papua freedom advocate Benny Wenda has been detained at Port Moresby's airport in Papua New Guinea.

Benny Wenda

Benny Wenda Photo: AFP

PNG Loop says Mr Wenda, who is a British-based advocate of West Papua's self-determination, is waiting with immigration officials.

The Governor of the National Capital District, Powes Parkop, says Mr Wenda is not locked up but awaiting clearance to officially enter PNG and then travel on to Vanuatu.

Sources from the immigration section at the airport told PNG Loop they are waiting for clearance from the Foreign Minister, Rimbink Pato, who is also leaving today for Vanuatu.

The sources say the final clearance will come from the Prime Minister.