Australian detained in Iraq for years on his way home
Australian engineer Robert Pether is returning home after being detained in Iraq for five years following a contract dispute. His release follows extensive advocacy by Australian and Irish authorities after an international court ruled his detention illegal.
Why it matters
The case underscores the risks faced by international contractors in volatile regions and the role of diplomatic intervention in human rights cases.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tiffanie Turnbull Sydney Desree Pether Robert Pether pictured with his son before his arrest Australian engineer Robert Pether has left Iraq five years after he was arrested and, according to the UN, arbitrarily detained.
The 51-year-old was jailed on fraud charges in 2021 alongside a colleague amid a contract dispute between the consulting firm he worked for and the Central Bank of Iraq.
The UN has said Pether's detention was illegal, and an international court has ruled his employer is not responsible for the business disagreement.
On Monday the Australian government confirmed Pether was on his way to being reunited with his family - who feared he would die in prison - at their home in Ireland.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the outcome followed "many years of persistent advocacy" by Australia and the Irish authorities.
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