Australian Man Robert Pether Faces New Charges in Iraqi Jail, Family Fears for His Life

Robert Pether's case is attracting attention as his family fears that the Australian engineer may suffer dire consequences during his long imprisonment in Iraq. Jailed since 2021 on fraud charges that his supporters claim are fabricated, Pether's situation has worsened with the news that he could face newly levied accusations of money laundering. He was originally involved in the construction of the Central Bank of Iraq headquarters, a project plagued by significant financial difficulties and delays. Over this period, disputes arose between the bank’s management and the contractors, leading to Pether's ongoing legal troubles.

Initially, there were expectations that Mr. Pether might be released early in January after serving nearly four years in custody. However, these hopes were dashed when Iraq's authorities indicated they would pursue further legal action against both him and his colleague, Khalid Zaghoul Radwan. Robert's wife, Desree Pether, has expressed grave concerns about the lack of support from the Australian government, particularly when compared to the advocacy for other high-profile detainees. She urged Australia to do more to protect its citizens being wrongfully held abroad.

The charges against him are based on claims by the Central Bank that his salary from his previous job constituted stolen funds. If found guilty, he could face up to a decade or more in prison. Notably, Robert’s former employer, CME, recently won a substantial arbitration ruling against the Central Bank, which has introduced further complications into his situation. His family has reported ongoing concerns for his mental and physical health while incarcerated, with claims of distress and potential mistreatment.

The Australian government has acknowledged the impact of Pether's detention on him and his family and has stated it is advocating for his release. A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted that there have been numerous occasions where Pether's case has been brought to the attention of Iraqi officials, emphasizing the government's commitment to his welfare. The situation remains tense, especially after a UN report indicated possible torture and coercion used during his initial interrogation. The family continues to call for urgent action, stressing the need for stronger governmental intervention on behalf of citizens wrongfully detained overseas.