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Robert Pether 'Unrecognisable' After Detention, Says Wife

After spending over four years detained in Iraq on fraud allegations connected to a Baghdad central bank construction project, Australian engineer Robert Pether has been granted bail.
In April 2021, Robert Pether and his colleague were detained in Baghdad amid a contractual disagreement, and a 2022 UN report characterized their imprisonment as arbitrary and leveraged for commercial purposes.
Despite three international courts ruling in Pether's employer's favor, he remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings and a travel ban that likely restricts him from leaving Iraq.
Pether's wife described him as 'completely unrecognisable' due to illness and said he 'really needs to just come home' for proper medical care after months of deteriorating health.
Australian and Irish officials will continue advocating for Pether's welfare, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressing hope this development offers relief after years of distress.

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Irish Mirror

Lean Left

Irish wife of 'innocent hostage' in Iraq shares his first words after release

After over four years of his family campaigning for his freedom amid rapid deterioration in cancer survivor Rob’s health, he is now out of prison

23 hours ago·Ireland

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ABC Australia

Lean Left

Robert Pether 'unrecognisable' after release from Iraqi prison, wife says

The Australian engineer spent four years languishing behind bars before being released on bail late on Thursday night, along with an Egyptian colleague.

2 days ago·Australia

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Irish Times

Lean Left

Robert Pether’s wife hopes his release from Iraqi prison will end ‘living nightmare’

Engineer, who lived in Co Roscommon, was released on bail having spent four years in an Iraqi jail after a contract dispute

2 days ago·Dublin, Ireland

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The Independent

Lean Left

Australian Engineer Freed on Bail After Four Years in Iraqi Prison

Robert Pether remains barred from leaving Iraq

2 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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SBS News

Lean Left

Family's plea after Australian released on bail in Iraq: 'He's very sick, we need him home'

Robert Pether's wife Desree has described his release as "a very small step in the right direction", noting that a travel ban that prevents him from leaving Iraq is still in effect.

2 days ago·Sydney, Australia

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Irish Independent

Lean Right

Robert Pether 'completely unrecognisable' after four years’ detention in Iraqi jail, says wife

The wife of Robert Pether, the Roscommon man who has been released from jail in Iraq after four years in detention, has said the "living nightmare" his family has endured will not be over until he is home.

2 days ago·Ireland

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