Robert Pether, an Australian national living in Ireland, has been detained in Iraq for almost four years due to a contract dispute. The United Nations labeled his detention as arbitrary, and his family is struggling with legal costs while seeking his release amidst new charges. Despite diplomatic efforts, the family’s fight continues against a complex legal and emotional landscape.
An Irish family continues to fight for the release of Robert Pether, an Australian national arrested in Iraq nearly four years ago on fraud charges. Living in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, Pether has been described by the United Nations as being subjected to arbitrary detention. As a mechanical engineer, he worked on the rebuild of Iraq’s Central Bank headquarters in Baghdad before a contract dispute led to his arrest in April 2021.
Following a meeting with the central bank to resolve this contractual issue, Mr. Pether and his colleague Khalid Radwan were taken into custody, accused of fraudulently receiving funds. Their lawyers assert they are “hostages in a contract dispute.” After five months in detention, both men were convicted and fined $12 million in a trial that lasted a mere 15 minutes, with their appeals having been unsuccessful.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention deemed their arrests unlawful, stating their right to a fair trial had been violated, while a subsequent UN report criticized the “abusive and coercive” interrogations they endured. The International Chamber of Commerce later ruled that the central bank bore responsibility in the dispute, raising hopes for their release.
Family members, including Mr. Pether’s wife Desree and their three children, are facing immense challenges as they deal with mounting legal expenses of approximately €120,000. Flynn Pether emphasized the toll this has taken on his mother’s health, expressing concern for his father’s deteriorating condition due to inadequate medical care during his imprisonment.
Robert Pether’s son, Flynn, has missed significant milestones in his life without his father’s presence. He highlighted the emotional forbearance required as the absence affects family dynamics, especially during gatherings and celebrations. Despite their struggles, the family remains hopeful, although they were recently confronted with new charges against Mr. Pether.
The Irish Government, along with Australian authorities, has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure Pether’s release, acknowledging the complexities tied to his citizenship status. Flynn continues to advocate for accountability, stating that Iraq is ignoring international rulings in handling their case.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed ongoing support for the Pether family and is actively communicating regarding next steps. Although the Australian government has persistently pressed Iraqi officials for resolution, Flynn highlights a stark reality: new allegations may prolong their father’s incarceration. As Robert Pether prepares for court again, his family hopes that justice will finally prevail against what they see as unjust and arbitrary charges.
The ongoing ordeal of Robert Pether’s wrongful detention in Iraq highlights significant issues surrounding legal accountability and the treatment of foreign nationals. His family’s relentless pursuit for justice is underscored by the complexities of their case, compounded by overwhelming legal fees and emotional distress. Despite various diplomatic efforts, the legal battles persist, with new charges emerging against Mr. Pether, reinforcing the urgent need for international support and resolution.
Original Source: www.rte.ie
