WorldSPECIAL REPORT

Australian engineer freed after four years in Iraqi jail

Pether was detained in Baghdad in 2021; his family mounted a campaign that ultimately persuaded Iraq's government to release him after four years.

On air: Gloria Vance and Chip Darnell on BBN Overnight
Published 12:14 AM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “Robert Pether was detained in Iraq in 2021 and his family feared he would die in jail. Now he’s coming home”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 12:14 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Gloria Vance and Chip Darnell.
Topics: Australian.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The GuardianRobert Pether was detained in Iraq in 2021 and his family feared he would die in jail. Now he’s coming home

Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn Baghdad tonight, an Australian engineer named Robert Pether has been allowed to leave Iraq after four years in a jail cell.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe Guardian reports that Pether was detained in twenty twenty-one, and that his family feared the cell would kill him.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThey say they have been living in hell ever since.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo he's actually coming home? Right now?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorHe is heading home, Chip.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorAustralia's foreign minister welcomed the Iraqi government's decision to let him leave Baghdad, and that decision followed a long campaign by his family.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo Chip, four years is quite a wait for that answer.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt is, and for the people who waited, it was every day of it.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorWhat to watch now is his flight, his health once he lands, and what he says about those years.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorTwo other stories we are following.