Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Iraq Releases Australian Engineer on Bail After Four Years
Imagine an engineer from Australia named Robert who was working in Iraq.
He got into a disagreement about a project and was put in jail about four years ago.
He was working on building a new building for the central bank of Iraq.
He was sentenced to prison and a large fine.
Recently, the authorities let him out on bail because he wasn't feeling well.
His family says he's very sick and needs medical help.
He is now free but can't leave the country yet.
Australian engineer Robert Pether was released on bail after over four years of detention in Iraq.
Pether was arrested in April 2021 due to a contractual dispute related to the construction of the central bank's new headquarters.
He was initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined $12 million.
The release was attributed to Pether's poor health; he is reportedly suffering from lung cancer.
Pether remains barred from leaving Iraq.
- Who
- Robert Pether, an Australian engineer, was released on bail after being detained in Iraq for over four years.
- What
- Iraq released Australian engineer Robert Pether on bail.
- When
- Friday, the day of the release.
- Where
- Baghdad, Iraq.
- Why
- Due to his poor health, according to a security official.
- Detainee
- Robert Pether
- Nationality
- Australian
- Detention Length
- Over four years
- Reason for Arrest
- Contractual dispute
- Current Status
- Released on bail; travel ban remains
- Health Condition
- Reportedly suffering from lung cancer