Family asks for help after Robert Pether is granted bail in Iraq

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The family of an Australian man jailed in Iraq for four years has issued an emotional plea after he was released on bail.

The charges stemmed from allegations the company they worked for defrauded the Iraqi government during a project to build the country’s central bank’s new headquarters.

SBS News has been told his bail conditions are likely to restrict him from leaving Iraq.

Pether and Zaghloul were held for five months before going to trial, where a judge deliberated for 15 minutes before convicting them.

A family all wearing Christmas themed shirts.

Robert Pether (third from left) and his family pictured before his imprisonment. Source: Supplied / Desree Pether

Pether wrote in a letter last year that he was worried he would “not survive this ordeal much longer” amid growing concerns over his health.

A United Nations report on arbitrary detention detailed allegations that Pether was subject to extreme cold, humiliation, threats of death and forms of psychological abuse, including being shown a torture room.

‘A very small step in the right direction’

In a statement provided to SBS News, Pether’s wife Desree described his release as “a very small step in the right direction”.

“But there is still a travel ban. He’s very sick and has been for months and we need him home with us.

“Enough is enough. Three international courts have ruled in his EMPLOYER’S favour and said there is no grounds for imprisonment and also the UN report from 2022 found that he was being used for leverage.”

The 2022 UN report said: “In the absence of any explanation from the [Iraqi] government, the Working Group concludes that the detention of Messrs. Pether and Radwan is being used to exercise leverage in a commercial transaction, in violation of international law.”

“He needs to be home so we can help him heal and he doesn’t get sicker,” Desree told SBS.

“We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to this happening.”

‘This is a positive development’

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government welcomed his release.

“I know the personal toll Mr Pether’s detention has taken on him and his family and hope this news brings a measure of relief after years of distress,” she said.

“While Mr Pether remains subject to legal proceedings in Iraq, this is a positive development and follows persistent Australian government advocacy over many years.”

Wong said officials would continue to press the case for the Australian in Iraq.

“We will continue to support Mr Pether and his family and to advocate for Mr Pether’s interests and wellbeing,” she said.

“I want to thank Australian officials for their tireless work on Mr Pether’s case, including Australia’s special envoy who travelled to Iraq in recent weeks to negotiate for this outcome.”

Penny Wong speaking in front of yellow and white walls.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong described Robert Pether’s release on bail as a “positive development”. Source: AAP / Dominic Giannini

Irish media also reported news of Pether’s release on Friday. He and his wife, Desree, had been living in Ireland for several years.

Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris said in a statement he had been informed of Pether’s release.

“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,” Harris said, adding he had spoken to Pether’s wife.

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