Robert Pether pays tribute to family as he returns to Ireland after detention in Iraq

Australian construction engineer Robert Pether speaks to media at Dublin Airport on his return to Ireland after being held in Iraq for five years. The 51-year-old was arrested in April 2021 with a colleague after a dispute arose between the Dubai-based company they worked for and the Central Bank of Iraq. Picture: PA

Australian construction engineer Robert Pether, who has been held in Iraq for five years, has paid tribute to his wife and family as he returned to Ireland on Monday.

The 51-year-old was arrested in April 2021 with a colleague after a dispute arose between the Dubai-based company they worked for and the Central Bank of Iraq.

The bank accused the pair of stealing money from the project they were working on.

Mr Pether landed in to Dublin at around 10am.

Speaking at Dublin Airport, Mr Pether said his family has always fought for him, but that it has had an “enormous toll” on his wife.

“There will be time to talk about what happened. Why it happened. Who was responsible. And why nobody should ever be allowed to do this to another person or another family again,” he said.

“But today, more than anything, I want to talk about the people who carried us through it.

“My wife and my children have lived this every single day with me. Our children lost years with their dad. 

“They watched their mum fight every day to try and bring me home.

“They grew up with uncertainty, fear and circumstances that no child should every have to carry.

“I’m so thankful to my wife, Desree for always fighting for me, while at the same time holding our family together. All while dealing with a situation that took an enormous toll on her too.

“She truly is incredible.”

Robert Pether’s wife Desree and son Oscar leave Dublin Airport. Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire

Mr Pether was released from prison last year because of poor health, but was prevented from leaving the country.

Last week, a court in Iraq dismissed proceedings against him and lifted the travel ban.

His wife, Desree Pether, and his children, are Irish.

In a statement earlier on Monday, foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said: “I am delighted that Robert Pether will return to Ireland this morning.

“This brings to an end an extraordinarily difficult period for Robert, his wife Desree and their children.

“I am pleased that Robert will soon be reunited with his family and that he will be able to recuperate in peace in Roscommon.

“I know they will be very happy to be reunited for the first time since 2021.

“I would like to thank the Australian government for all their support to Robert and in securing his release.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Iraqi prime minister al-Zaidi, Iraq’s foreign minister Hussein and the hard work and coordinated approach of the Irish Government who have been liaising on Robert’s release for some time.

“I would also like to thank Irish diplomatic officials for their work on this case.

“I know the HSE, the National Ambulance Service and Galway University Hospital are ready to give Robert the care he needs at this time and I am very grateful for this.”