Robert Pether, an Australian engineer, has been detained in Iraq since April 2021, following a contractual dispute between his employer, Dubai-based CME Consulting, and the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) over the construction of the bank’s new headquarters in Baghdad. Pether and his Egyptian colleague, Khalid Radwan, were arrested on fraud charges, sentenced to five years in prison, and fined $12 million. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has deemed their imprisonment arbitrary, citing violations of international law and describing Pether as a hostage in a financial dispute.
Pether’s detention stems from allegations that CME Consulting defrauded the Iraqi government. However, Pether and his family maintain his innocence, asserting he was lured to Baghdad under the pretense of resolving payment disputes, only to be arrested. Internal Iraqi documents obtained by The Nightly suggest premeditated contract breaches by the CBI, raising questions about the legitimacy of the charges. Pether’s health has deteriorated significantly, with reports of chronic pain, untreated medical issues, and a high risk of cancer recurrence, prompting urgent calls for his release.
Australian Government Efforts
The Australian government has engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure Pether’s release, though his family and advocates criticise the approach as insufficient:
• Diplomatic Representations: The government has made over 190 representations to Iraqi authorities, including direct interventions by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Wong spoke with Iraq’s foreign minister on December 13, 2024, and issued a public statement on April 7, 2025, marking the fourth anniversary of Pether’s detention, urging his release as he had served his custodial sentence.
• Advocacy Limitations: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) maintains it cannot interfere in Iraq’s judicial processes, focusing instead on advocating for Pether’s welfare and release. Critics, including Pether’s wife, Desree, and former detainee Kylie Moore-Gilbert, argue that DFAT’s “quiet diplomacy” lacks transparency and effectiveness, leaving families feeling abandoned.
• Public and International Support: The U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs joined calls for Pether’s release in April 2025, aligning with Australia’s position. Australian Senator Jordon Steele-John has also criticised the government’s efforts, echoing sentiments on X that more robust action is needed.
Challenges and Criticisms
Pether’s family and legal team report new “confected” charges, such as money laundering, filed in January 2025, which derailed hopes of his release after serving his initial sentence. These developments, combined with Iraq’s alleged use of Pether as leverage in the financial dispute, complicate negotiations. Desree Pether has publicly pleaded for stronger intervention from the Australian government, expressing fears that her husband may die in detention due to his declining health.
The Australian government’s reliance on discreet diplomacy has drawn scrutiny, with advocates like Moore-Gilbert calling for a more public and assertive strategy to counter “hostage diplomacy.” A Senate inquiry is examining Australia’s handling of such cases, including Pether’s, to address systemic issues in managing wrongful detentions.
Current Status
Pether remains in a Baghdad prison, with no confirmed release date. His case has garnered international attention, with recent reports from The Guardian uncovering documents that question the evidence used against him, further fueling demands for his freedom. The Australian government continues to advocate but faces criticism for not escalating efforts, such as through direct prime ministerial outreach to Iraqi leadership.
While the Australian government is engaged in Pether’s case, progress has been slow. His family and supporters argue that more urgent and forceful action is needed. If you want to help, you can support advocacy groups pushing for his release or contact Australian MPs to keep pressure on the government.
References
Robert Pether: Australian worker’s jailing in Iraq a grim tale of central bank corruption and missing millions, James King, The Nightly
US joins calls for Iraq to release Aussie engineer imprisoned for four years, Yashee Sharma, 9News
Lawyer for Australian detainee in Iraq says Foreign Affairs response ‘shameful and lazy’, Anton Nilsson, Crikey
Guardian uncovers documents at odds with evidence used to jail Australian engineer in Iraq, Arab News
Irish family fight for release of father detained in Iraq, Sinéad Hussey Maggie Doyle, RTÉ News
Family of jailed Australian Robert Pether fear he will die behind bars, as fresh charges loom in Iraq, Matthew Doran, ABC News
Robert Pether: Wife upset at Australian government’s handling of Iraq case, Olivia Ireland, Sydney Morning Herald (paywalled)
Aussie engineer Robert Pether has languished in an Iraqi jail cell for three years as his heath deteriorates – now his wife Desree makes a desperate new plea to Anthony Albanese, David Southwell, the Daily Mail
Lawyer for Robert Pether insists he’s being held in Iraq jail on “ludicrous” charges, Sean Murphy, MSN
Roundtable on Wrongful Detention with Dr. Kylie-Moore Gilbert, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
Australian Robert Pether writes emotional letter from Iraq jail urging nation not to forget him, Matthew Doran, ABC News
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