Australian mechanical engineer Robert Pether has been released from an Iraqi prison after four years of “arbitrary detention” linked to a contract dispute. Although free, he remains under a travel ban and urgently needs medical care. His family and governments in Australia and Ireland are advocating for his safe return amid concerns over his deteriorating health.
The United Nations stated that Iraqi authorities released an Australian from prison on condition after holding him for four years of “arbitrary detention.” However, his wife says Iraqi authorities have banned him from leaving the country, and he urgently needs medical care.
Who Is Robert Pether?
In 2021, Iraqi authorities jailed Australian mechanical engineer Robert Pether on fraud charges during a contract dispute between his consulting firm and the Central Bank of Iraq. Authorities arrested him along with his Egyptian colleague, Khalid Radwan, after the bank accused them of stealing money from a reconstruction project.
The UN has said the 50-year-old’s detention was illegal, and an international court ruled his employer is not responsible for the business disagreement. Authorities held Pether and Radwan without charge for nearly six months and then sentenced each to five years in jail after a speedy trial, along with a joint fine of $12 million.
A 2022 UN report found the case contravened international law and described “abusive and coercive” interrogations, though Iraq’s government denied allegations of ill-treatment. In 2023, the International Chamber of Commerce ordered Iraq’s central bank to pay $13 million to CME, Pether’s employer.
Why His Family Speaks Out on His Condition?
Pether’s wife, Desree, told the BBC, “He’s on a bit of a high tonight, but I think he’ll probably come crashing down tomorrow.” She added, “He’s unrecognisable. If he got on a plane now and they were checking his passport, they would not know it was the same person.” She also said, “He can’t keep food down and hasn’t eaten properly in months,” and mentioned concerns about a possible skin cancer relapse.
She described the moment as “the first time in over four years that we’ve taken one step in the right direction,” but said, “There’s a tiny glimmer of hope, but there’s another mountain still to go over.”
Australian and Irish Governments Respond
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the release was a “positive development” after years of “persistent” advocacy and noted, “I know the personal toll Mr Pether’s detention has taken on him and his family and hope this news brings a measure of relief after years of distress.”
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, where the Pether family now lives, said Iraq’s Foreign Minister called him to confirm the release. Harris stated, “I welcomed this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his family in Roscommon.” He added he remained concerned about Pether’s health and any outstanding charges.
The family is crowdfunding to get him private hospital care in Baghdad, as they work to have his travel ban lifted. Mrs Pether said, “Enough is enough. He needs to come home.”