Irish Family Advocates for Release of Father Detained in Iraq

Robert Pether has been detained in Iraq for nearly four years on fraud charges, deemed arbitrary by the UN. His family stresses significant legal expenses and health concerns as they fight for his release, with ongoing diplomatic efforts from Australia and Ireland. New charges have complicated their situation, revealing issues surrounding the legal system in Iraq.

Robert Pether, an Australian citizen residing in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, has been detained in Iraq for almost four years, following his arrest in April 2021 on fraud charges. The United Nations has condemned his detention as arbitrary, stating that it violates his rights to a fair trial. Mr. Pether, a mechanical engineer, worked for CME Consulting on the Iraq Central Bank headquarters project, where he became embroiled in a contract dispute that resulted in his imprisonment alongside colleague Khalid Radwan.

Mr. Pether and Mr. Radwan were accused of embezzlement in August 2021 and sentenced to five years in prison, along with fines totaling $12 million. Various appeals have failed, and the UN Working Group noted their detention as arbitrary, highlighting abuses in their interrogation. In a more recent ruling, the International Chamber of Commerce found Iraq’s central bank liable in the ongoing contract dispute.

Desree Pether, Mr. Pether’s wife, has dedicated substantial effort toward securing her husband’s release, facing overwhelming legal expenses of approximately €120,000, which forced the family to consider selling their home. Their children, Flynn, Oscar, and Nala, are all Irish citizens, and they struggle with the ongoing impact of their father’s absence during important life milestones.

The Pether family initially believed in a resolution when they were promised Mr. Pether’s release; however, they were met with unexpected new charges, including money laundering. Diplomatic steps by both Australia and Ireland have been taken to assist in this matter, with Flynn Pether asserting that accountability for Iraq is crucial as they fail to honor international agreements.

Robert Pether’s health has deteriorated during his incarceration, exacerbated by a history of medical concerns, which his family fears may become life-threatening. Flynn, now a university student, finds it increasingly challenging to juggle academic responsibilities with advocacy for his father’s plight. The family has repeatedly called for more effective legal support, confident in the weight of evidence advocating for Mr. Pether’s innocence.

In summary, the ongoing detention of Robert Pether highlights critical issues regarding human rights and legal processes in Iraq. The support from the Irish and Australian governments, while significant, has faced limitations due to the complexities of international law and diplomatic negotiations. The Pether family’s unyielding fight embodies the struggles of those impacted by arbitrary detentions, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in such cases. With mounting legal challenges and health concerns, the urgency for a resolution remains paramount for Robert Pether’s family.

Original Source: www.rte.ie