Australian engineer Robert Pether has been released from an Iraqi prison after more than four years of arbitrary detention. He was held since April 2021 over a dispute related to his engineering firm's project for the Central Bank of Iraq. Despite his release, he remains trapped in Iraq due to a travel ban and requires urgent medical care.
Australian Robert Pether released from Iraqi prison four years after being arbitrarily detained
AustraliaAustralian foreign policyIraqPenny Wong
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Australian engineer Robert Pether has been released from an Iraqi prison after more than four years of arbitrary detention. He was held since April 2021 over a dispute related to his engineering firm's project for the Central Bank of Iraq. Despite his release, he remains trapped in Iraq due to a travel ban and requires urgent medical care.
Trending- 1 April 2021: Robert Pether detained in Baghdad.
- 2 March 2022: United Nations working group on arbitrary detention found Pether arbitrarily detained and called for his release.
- 3 2022: Anthony Albanese raised Pether’s detention with then Iraqi prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
- 4 June 6, 2025: Robert Pether released from Iraqi prison.
- Robert Pether's release from prison after over four years
- Pether remains trapped in Iraq due to a travel ban
- Urgent need for medical care for Pether due to his frail condition
- Highlights issues of arbitrary detention and international law
What: Australian engineer Robert Pether was released from his Iraq jail cell after more than four years of arbitrary detention. He was detained in Baghdad in April 2021 while working on a project to build the new headquarters for the Central Bank of Iraq. He was sentenced and fined over allegations that his firm, CME Consulting, misspent money. The United Nations working group on arbitrary detention found his detention to be in breach of international law in March 2022 and called for his immediate and unconditional release. Pether's wife, Desree, stated he remains trapped in Iraq due to a travel ban and needs urgent medical care.
When: June 6, 2025 (released); April 2021 (detained); March 2022 (UN report); 2022 (Albanese raised case, Pether's letter).
Where: Iraq (Baghdad), Australia.
Why: Pether was detained following a dispute between his engineering firm and the Central Bank of Iraq. His detention was later deemed arbitrary and in breach of international law by the UN.
How: Pether was detained after a meeting with bank officials. His release followed extensive diplomatic efforts by the Australian government, including over 200 representations and a recent visit by Australia’s special envoy to Iraq.