World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Australian engineer Robert Pether leaves Iraq after more than five years in detention
Australian engineer Robert Pether has left Iraq after more than five years in detention.
He was arrested in Baghdad in April 2021 with his Egyptian colleague, Khalid Zaghloul, while they worked on a project to build the Central Bank of Iraq’s new headquarters.
An Iraqi judge found Pether guilty of deception in August 2021, while his lawyers argued he should not be held responsible for his engineering company’s actions.
The Iraqi government had insisted that Pether or the company pay a $US12 million fine.
Australia’s government said it made 280 representations seeking his release, but would not pay money in connection with alleged offences.
Pether’s health deteriorated in prison, including weight loss and cancer.
Australian officials escorted him to the airport, where he planned to fly to Ireland to reunite with his wife and children and recover.
Australian engineer Robert Pether has left Iraq after more than five years in detention and is now in transit.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed his departure from Baghdad on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Pether was arrested in April 2021 in connection with a dispute involving his engineering firm and a Central Bank of Iraq project.
He was released from prison in June 2025 but remained subject to travel restrictions.
His wife, Desree, said the family was hugely relieved and hoped to reunite with him in Ireland.
- Who
- Australian engineer Robert Pether, 51, and his family.
- What
- Pether left Iraq after being barred from travelling abroad following his release from prison.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026; he was arrested in April 2021 and released from prison in June 2025.
- Where
- Baghdad, Iraq; Pether was travelling to reunite with his family in Ireland.
- Why
- He had been detained in connection with a dispute involving his engineering firm and a Central Bank of Iraq project. The sources say he was allowed to leave after Australian government advocacy.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Australian government welcomes the Iraqi government’s decision to allow Mr Robert Pether to leave Iraq today
It's been an absolute nightmare, especially these last few months
I’ve made it clear that the Australian government doesn’t make monetary contributions in relation to alleged offences, but what we do do is make sustained advocacy a part of how we engage on these issues, and that’s what we’ve done
Pether and his colleague were arrested in Baghdad in connection with a dispute involving his engineering firm.
An Iraqi judge found Pether guilty of deception.
A United Nations working group found Pether had been arbitrarily detained in breach of international law.
Pether was released from prison but remained subject to travel restrictions.
Pether left Iraq after the Iraqi government allowed him to depart.
- Age
- 51
- Arrest
- April 2021, Baghdad
- Prison release
- June 2025
- Project
- New Central Bank of Iraq headquarters
- Destination
- Ireland
- Departure
- October 12, 2026
Sources
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