Australian engineer Robert Pether leaves Iraq five years after arrest

Topic:Federal GovernmentPosted Mon 12 Oct 2026 at 1:56pmMon 12 Oct 2026 at 1:56pm, updated Mon 12 Oct 2026 at 2:19pmMon 12 Oct 2026 at 2:19pmRobert Pether on a plane departing Iraq, sitting next to Australian Ambassador Glenn Miles. (Supplied: DFAT)Australian engineer Robert Pether has left Iraq five years after his arrest, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed.Mr Pether, along with his Egyptian colleague, was arrested in April 2021 and charged with deception, but he has always maintained his innocence.The 51-year-old was released from prison in June 2025 after more than four years behind bars, but was subject to travel restrictions preventing him from leaving Iraq.Senator Wong said Mr Pether had left Baghdad and was now free to reunite with his family in Ireland.She said she had spoken with him on Monday morning, shortly before his departure."I expressed to him our relief that he had been released and my hope that he recovers, but most importantly I wished him well for his reunion with the family and recovery in the future," she said. "I know this has taken a real toll on him and his family."Mr Pether's wife Desree said she was "hugely relieved"."It's been an absolute nightmare, especially these last few months," she told the ABC. "So many obstacles and plot twists right up to the last minute. He is actually still in transit. We weren't going to say anything until he was safe at the end of his journey".Last year, Ms Pether had expressed concern about Mr Pether's deteriorating physical and mental health.Robert Pether speaks to Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the phone shortly before his departure. (Supplied: DFAT)