Australian engineer Robert Pether has left Iraq after spending five years in the country, including nearly four years in detention, following a lengthy legal dispute with local authorities. The announcement of his departure was made on Monday by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who confirmed that Pether had been permitted to leave Iraq after an Iraqi court dismissed proceedings against him and lifted a travel ban last week.
Pether, who was detained in Baghdad in April 2021 alongside an Egyptian colleague, Khalid Radwan, was held in connection with a business dispute involving his firm, CME Consulting, which was contracted to build a new headquarters for the Central Bank of Iraq. He was initially arrested without charge and later sentenced and fined over allegations regarding financial mismanagement related to payments to an architect and subcontractor. Pether’s family, however, maintained that he was unjustly imprisoned, describing the ordeal as a "living nightmare."
The United Nations working group on arbitrary detention previously found that Pether’s detention was arbitrary and a violation of international law. A 2022 report by the group detailed allegations of enforced disappearance and various abuses, including exposure to extreme cold, threats of death, psychological torment, and constant illumination during his confinement in a small cell. The report also criticized flaws in the legal process, noting that charges against Pether and Radwan were unclear and changed during the trial, violating the right to a fair trial and due process.
Pether was released from jail in 2025 due to deteriorating health but remained subject to a travel ban until recent court rulings allowed him to leave. His departure on Monday involved complex negotiations among officials from Ireland, Australia, Egypt, and Iraq, as well as assistance from an international pro bono legal team at Slaney Advisors, specializing in international arbitration.
Penny Wong expressed relief at Pether's release, highlighting years of persistent diplomatic advocacy and consular support by the Australian government. Wong spoke with Pether shortly before his departure from Baghdad and welcomed his freedom to reunite with his family.
Despite the positive outcome, some close to Pether voiced concerns about the timing of the public announcement, which was made while he was still transiting through Turkey. Peter Griffin, managing director of Slaney Advisors, cautioned that premature media exposure could have endangered Pether’s safety amid the sensitive circumstances.
Pether’s wife, Desree, who has been vocal about the family’s struggle during his detention, said she was “hugely relieved” that her husband was finally free after enduring numerous obstacles in recent months. She expressed gratitude to all those involved in securing his release.
The case has underscored ongoing challenges for foreign nationals navigating legal and political environments in Iraq and raised questions about the protection of due process rights in complex commercial disputes.