The United States is now advocating for the release of Robert Pether, an Australian engineer imprisoned in Iraq for over four years. Pether and a colleague were arrested on fraud allegations in Baghdad on April 7, 2021, stemming from a contractual disagreement involving their employer, CME Consulting, and the Central Bank of Iraq. Subsequently, in August 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison and fined $16 million after allegedly signing a pre-written confession in Arabic, which he claims was coerced.
Pether has consistently maintained his innocence, describing the charges as “fabricated.” In 2021, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that he had been arbitrarily detained without due process or a fair trial. This week marked a grim milestone of four years in captivity, prompting calls from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong for his release. She stated, “He has served the custodial sentence imposed on him by the Iraqi courts. It’s time for him to be returned to his family,” reaffirming the Australian government’s commitment to advocating for Pether’s freedom.
Joining this appeal, US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs expressed solidarity with Australia in calling for Pether’s release, hoping he would soon be reunited with his loved ones. Pether’s wife, Desree, has expressed deep gratitude for the support from the US and her husband’s ongoing plea to return home. In a heartfelt letter written from prison last year, Pether shared the significant family milestones he has missed, including birthdays and holidays, and his longing for Australia. He reflected on the distressing impact of his imprisonment on his family, stating, “I want to go home… feel the sun on my skin.”
Despite Pether having completed his sentence, his detention continues to elicit concerns from the Australian government. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remarked that multiple representations have been made on his behalf, and both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have raised his case with Iraqi officials. They continue to offer consular support while stressing that they cannot interfere in other nations’ legal processes but can advocate for humane treatment.
Furthermore, the Australian government has strongly advised against travel to Iraq due to the region’s unstable security, citing risks of violence, armed conflict, and terrorism. The situation remains precarious for Pether and his family as they await resolution and hope for his eventual return to Australia.