Australian national Robert Pether has been detained in Iraq for nearly four years over fraud charges linked to a contract dispute. The UN declared his detention arbitrary, and both he and his colleague face substantial legal challenges amidst deteriorating health conditions. The family struggles with rising legal costs and emotional difficulties while seeking governments’ support for his release.
Robert Pether, an Australian mechanical engineer living in Elphin, Co Roscommon, has been detained in Iraq for nearly four years since his arrest in April 2021 on fraud charges. The United Nations views this as an arbitrary detention. Pether had been managing a major reconstruction of Iraq’s Central Bank headquarters when a dispute with the bank led to his arrest alongside his colleague Khalid Radwan, accused of embezzlement by the bank.
Pether and Radwan spent over five months imprisoned before facing trial in August 2021, where they were convicted and sentenced to five years each, along with a joint fine of $12 million (€10 million). Subsequent appeals have failed. UN reports have highlighted violations of their rights, stating that the men faced abusive interrogations and were denied a fair trial.
Desree, Pether’s wife, has tirelessly campaigned for his release, with their three Irish citizen children suffering the financial and emotional toll of the lengthy legal battle, with expenses reaching approximately €120,000. Flynn, their eldest son, shared the strain their family is under and the milestones his father has missed during this time, emphasizing the emotional impact on their lives.
In 2023, expectations for Pether’s release were dashed when new charges of money laundering were filed against him, placing him at risk of indefinite incarceration. The Irish government is assisting, yet their efforts are constrained because Pether is an Australian national. Despite this, both the Irish and Australian governments continue to pursue diplomatic avenues to secure his release.
Meanwhile, Robert Pether’s health has worsened in custody, adding to family concerns, as he suffers from skin cancer and is denied adequate medical care. Flynn Pether is now in university, juggling academic demands and seeking support for his father. They emphasize the need for accountability and urge that evidence supporting Robert’s innocence be recognized.
The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains they are actively involved in Pether’s case, cooperating with both the Irish and Australian governments to advocate for his release. Following over 190 communications with Iraqi officials, the family remains hopeful but acknowledges the ongoing challenges and the critical nature of maintaining their campaign for justice amid the increasingly complex legal situation surrounding Mr. Pether.
The ongoing detention of Robert Pether reflects significant legal and diplomatic challenges. Desree Pether’s unwavering efforts underscore the emotional strain and escalating costs the family faces while seeking his release. With mounting health concerns for Robert and complex legal circumstances, the family’s appeal for international support remains critical. Despite assistance from both the Irish and Australian governments, the case highlights broader issues of due process and human rights in international detentions.
Original Source: www.rte.ie
