Irish Resident Robert Pether Released on Bail After Four Years of Arbitrary Detention in Iraqi Prison

The wife of Robert Pether, an Australian citizen who had been living in Elphin, County Roscommon, described her husband as "completely unrecognisable" following his release on bail after four years of detention in an Iraqi prison. The 50-year-old engineer was freed on Thursday, June 5, 2025, marking what Tánaiste Simon Harris called "the first step" in his anticipated return to Ireland.

Desree Pether, speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, revealed the shocking deterioration of her husband's condition after seeing him on video for the first time in over four years. "It was a shock to the system to see how far he's declined," she said, describing the emotional toll of witnessing his transformation. The engineer, who was working on designing Iraq's Central Bank headquarters in Baghdad, had been scheduled to work on three hospital projects before his arrest in April 2021.

The case, which the United Nations has classified as arbitrary detention, stems from a contract dispute between Pether's employer and the Central Bank of Iraq. Both Pether and his Egyptian colleague, Khalid Radwan, were arrested on April 7, 2021, on suspicion of theft and fraud. Despite being found guilty in what his wife describes as a "kangaroo court," international observers have consistently questioned the legitimacy of the charges and proceedings.

According to research conducted by RTÉ and other Irish media outlets, Pether's health has severely deteriorated during his imprisonment. His wife reported that he has been fainting regularly in recent months due to his inability to keep food down, surviving only with the help of cellmates who provided him with tea and honey when he collapsed. The engineer was held in overcrowded conditions, sharing a cell with up to 20 other prisoners throughout his detention.

The Irish government's diplomatic efforts, spearheaded by Tánaiste Simon Harris, played a crucial role in securing Pether's release. Harris confirmed that Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein called him personally to announce the bail decision, following their discussions last month where Harris had urged Pether's release. The collaborative effort involved the Irish, Australian, and Egyptian embassies, which have arranged accommodation for both Pether and his colleague in Iraq while they await resolution of their travel restrictions.

While Pether has been released from prison, he remains in Iraq under a travel ban, leaving his family's ordeal far from over. Desree Pether emphasized that the "living nightmare" will continue until her husband is on a plane leaving Iraqi airspace. The family, including their three children, have been lobbying the Irish government for assistance since his arrest, with communication limited to brief phone calls twice a week during his imprisonment.

According to reporting by The Irish Times and other sources, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has been monitoring the case, adding international pressure for Pether's release. The case has highlighted concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in Iraq's justice system and the challenges faced by families seeking consular assistance for detained relatives.

The engineering project that led to Pether's detention was part of Iraq's reconstruction efforts, with the Central Bank headquarters representing a significant infrastructure investment. However, the contract dispute that emerged between the construction company and Iraqi authorities resulted in what international observers describe as the wrongful imprisonment of the technical staff involved in the project.

As reported by IrishCentral and other outlets, Pether's release comes after years of deteriorating health conditions and concerns about his welfare. His wife's description of his physical decline underscores the human cost of prolonged detention, particularly in challenging prison conditions. The fact that he found it difficult to sleep in a comfortable bed after years of prison conditions illustrates the extent of his psychological and physical adaptation to harsh circumstances.

The next phase of the case will focus on resolving the travel restrictions that currently prevent Pether from leaving Iraq. With Iraqi authorities observing Eid holidays, the family expects to learn more about the specific conditions of his bail and travel ban in the coming week. The collaborative diplomatic efforts between Ireland, Australia, and Egypt will continue as they work toward securing his full release and repatriation.