Australian Robert Pether freed from Iraqi jail

The Australian engineer has been freed after four years in prison on what his family says are trumped up fraud charges.

Australian engineer Robert Pether was jailed in Iraq for four years. Picture: Supplied.

Australian engineer Robert Pether has been released from an Iraqi jail after four years.

Mr Pether, who had been living in Ireland and was helping design Baghdad’s central bank, was jailed after a contract dispute between his employer and the Central Bank of Iraq, which also saw his Egyptian work colleague Khalid Radwan imprisoned.

Robert Pether with his three children Oscar, Flynn and Nala.

Mr Pether was also fined millions of dollars over what his wife Desree and his legal team described as trumped-up fraud charges.

Earlier this year Mrs Pether told the ABC she had grave fears for her husband’s physical and mental health.

The Irish government welcomed Mr Pether’s release, but said his health remained of concern.

“This evening, I have been informed of the release on bail of Robert Pether, whose imprisonment in Iraq has been a case of great concern,” Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said in a statement,

“This is very welcome news in what has been a long and distressing saga for Robert’s wife, three children and his wider family and friends.

“Foreign Minister Hussein of Iraq, whom I spoke to last month to urge Robert’s release, called me this evening with the news. I was informed that Robert has been released on bail and for the moment he remains in Iraq, but I welcomed this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his family in Roscommon.

“We remain concerned about Robert’s health and outstanding charges, but I am hopeful now of a positive resolution in this case”.

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