Robert Pether Describes Ordeal After Release From Iraqi Prison
The Australian engineer, freed after more than five years detained in Iraq, says he was near death when he was released.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
Australian engineer Robert Pether has described his detention in Iraq and his health crisis in prison, in his first public comments since leaving the country after more than five years behind bars.
Pether and his Egyptian colleague Khalid Radwan were detained in Baghdad in 2021 after travelling for a meeting with bank officials to resolve a dispute involving his engineering firm, CME Consulting. Pether said he and Radwan maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal.
He said his health had deteriorated severely during his imprisonment, describing his body as "shutting down" from prolonged illness before his release. He also spoke of the emotional weight of returning home after years of detention.
Sources
- Australian politics live: businesses increasing prices under cover of surcharge ban, UBS economists warn; fire ants in Sydney’s inner west — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Comments
Loading comments…
Related articles
Robert Pether describes his 'innocence' and brush with death after five years in Iraqi prison
The Australian engineer spoke publicly for the first time since his release, as live political coverage also covered calls for the PM to contact Trump over an execution livestream.
Australia Politics Roundup: Hanson-Young Rules Out Greens Leadership Bid as Fire Ants Found in Sydney
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said she will not seek the Greens leadership again, as authorities confirmed a fire ant find in Sydney's inner west and released engineer Robert Pether spoke about his detention in Iraq.
Queensland Ombudsman Retreats From Call to Close Troubled Youth Prison
The watchdog had previously urged closure of the Wacol youth remand centre, which it said was so unsuitable that some children self-harmed to be transferred elsewhere, The Guardian reports.
Queensland ombudsman steps back from push to close troubled youth remand centre
An ombudsman's report found serious problems at the Wacol youth remand centre but stopped short of calling for its closure, drawing criticism from an inmate advocacy group.
Palestinian commission says dozens of families at risk of forced displacement amid blockade
A Palestinian commission says 47 families face displacement, with four already fleeing their homes, amid an ongoing Israeli blockade.
Iraq's top judge, US envoy discuss expanding legal and judicial cooperation
The talks come as Iraq and the United States look to broaden bilateral cooperation following the end of the US-led coalition's military mission in the country.