Jeremy Bally, 26, an environmental activist from Canada, visited Abepura Penitentiary in Jayapura, on Monday, to meet Papuan political prisoners and detainees.

Bally's visit was aimed at distributing 40 postcards from activists in seven countries to show their support of their struggle.

Among those he met were Dominikus Serabut, Forkorus Yoboisembut, Philep Karma, Selpius Bobii and Viktor Yeimo. "They are healthy and have no problems. I'm sure that officers in the prison have treated them well," Bally told journalists in Jayapura after the visit.

Bally said he collected the postcards from Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, and the US – and his home country, Canada.

Bally said shortly after he arrived in Papua that the situation was different to what many people had expected: An unsafe and terrifying place.

"I'm glad that I can convey the postcards. Papua's condition is in fact different to what I've heard," said Bally, who returns to Canada on Tuesday. (ebf)