Australian Robert Pether released from Iraqi prison four years after being arbitrarily detained
GuardianMAY 29
Australian Engineer Released From Iraqi Prison After 4 Years
Above: An aerial picture shows a view of the new Central Bank of Iraq Tower, also known as the Zaha Hadid Tower, in al-Jadiriyah district on the Tigris river bank in Baghdad on May 29, 2025. Image copyright: Murtaja Lateef/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
This case represents a clear violation of international law and human rights. The UN found that Pether was arbitrarily detained and subjected to torture-like conditions for what amounts to a commercial dispute. An international court already ruled Iraq's Central Bank was at fault and ordered them to pay millions in compensation. The abuse of rights here is plain as day.
Pro-government narrative
Iraq has legitimate concerns about financial irregularities in major infrastructure projects and has the sovereign right to pursue legal proceedings against those accused of fraud. Graft is a serious issue in Iraq that drains the economy of much-needed funds for infrastructure projects, and the country is right to be vigorous in rooting it out.