Iraq lets Australian Robert Pether leave after five years trapped there
Robert Pether flew out of Baghdad on Monday, after five years in Iraq and four in jail.
Iraq has allowed Australian engineer Robert Pether to leave the country after five years. Pether spent four years in jail, a stint his family feared would kill him.
Pether was arrested without charge in April 2021. The arrest was connected to a business dispute between his engineering firm and the Iraqi government.
He was released from jail last year because his health was getting worse. An Iraqi court dismissed proceedings against him last week, citing a lack of evidence.
The court also lifted his travel ban, which had kept him in Iraq. His advisers say Penny Wong's statement was issued while he was still in transit through Turkey.
He was allowed to board a flight to Ireland, via Turkey, on Monday.
- Five years, including four in jail
- Time in Iraq
- April 2021, without charge
- Arrest
- Baghdad to Ireland via Turkey
- Flight route
- Four years
- Jail term
Why it mattersIt shows how a business dispute can turn into years in jail for an engineer working abroad.
AustraliaAustralians working overseas in high-risk places should know the government can help, but cases may take years.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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