Robert Pether, an Australian citizen in Elphin, Co Roscommon, has faced almost four years of arbitrary detention in Iraq since his arrest in April 2021 on fraud charges linked to a construction project. The United Nations has condemned his detention and noted violations of due process. His family struggles with mounting legal costs, and concerns about his health grow more urgent as they advocate for his release amid complex legal challenges.
Robert Pether, an Australian national residing in Elphin, Co Roscommon, has been detained in Iraq for nearly four years following his arrest in April 2021 on fraud charges. The United Nations has classified his detention as arbitrary, highlighting significant concerns regarding his treatment and the absence of due process. Mr. Pether had been engaged in a reconstruction project for Iraq’s Central Bank but was imprisoned along with his colleague due to allegations of financial misconduct toward the end of the project.
The situation escalated when Mr. Pether went to Baghdad for a supposed meeting to resolve the dispute, only to be arrested by the Iraqi secret service during the meeting. His family faced a harrowing wait without communication, fearing for his safety. After more than five months in custody, both Mr. Pether and his colleague were charged and convicted of fraud in August 2021 with a substantial fine and lengthy prison sentence, despite multiple failed appeals.
Reports from the UN have pointed out violations of fair trial rights, with a 2022 study describing their interrogations as abusive and coercive. In February 2023, an International Chamber of Commerce ruling found that Iraq’s central bank bore responsibility in the contractual dispute. This complex legal situation has led to severe financial strain on Mr. Pether’s family, who are on the verge of selling their home to cover escalating legal bills estimated at €120,000.
Desree, Mr. Pether’s wife, has relentlessly pursued avenues to secure his release over the last four years. Their three children, all Irish citizens, have also been significantly impacted, with their son Flynn expressing that milestones in their lives have been overshadowed by their father’s absence. Efforts by diplomatic channels in Ireland, Australia, and Egypt to address Mr. Pether’s situation have yielded limited results, exacerbated by new allegations against him that have surfaced recently.
As Mr. Pether’s health continues to decline in custody, his family stresses the urgency of his situation, citing ongoing issues with skin cancer that have been neglected during his incarceration. Flynn, now studying mechanical engineering at university, finds it increasingly challenging to balance academic responsibilities with advocacy for his father’s freedom while trying to shield his younger siblings from this turmoil.
Looking ahead, Flynn implores for greater accountability from the Iraqi authorities, demanding that they respect international rulings concerning Mr. Pether’s case. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs maintains that it is actively engaged in securing Mr. Pether’s release, urging the responsible parties in Iraq to acknowledge the evidence tamely proving the innocence of both Mr. Pether and his colleague, Mr. Radwan. Meanwhile, court proceedings are expected to resume shortly, regarding new charges of money laundering that may further complicate their plight.
In summary, Robert Pether’s prolonged detainment in Iraq exemplifies a grave miscarriage of justice as recognized by international bodies. His family endures tremendous financial and emotional strain as they strive to secure his release amid shifting legal landscapes and new allegations. Ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect a commitment to address these injustices, however, the future remains uncertain for Mr. Pether as his health deteriorates within the confines of incarceration. Urgent accountability from Iraqi authorities is paramount in resolving this matter, aiming towards justice and the restoration of his family’s unity.
Original Source: www.rte.ie
