Robert Pether, an Australian detained in Iraq for nearly four years on fraud charges, faces renewed accusations and deteriorating health. His family struggles financially and emotionally in their fight for his release, amid diplomatic efforts from the Irish and Australian governments. The UN has condemned his detention as arbitrary, highlighting the lack of due process. Legal battles continue as the family appeals for international support and accountability from Iraq.
Robert Pether, an Australian national and resident of Elphin, Co. Roscommon, has been detained in Iraq since April 2021 on fraud charges related to a contract dispute while working on the Central Bank headquarters in Baghdad. The United Nations categorized his detention as arbitrary, highlighting grave concerns regarding his right to a fair trial. Mr. Pether and his colleague were charged after accusations of embezzlement against them surfaced, a situation described by their legal team as one of being “hostages in a contract dispute.”
Upon arriving in Baghdad for a meeting to resolve the dispute, Mr. Pether was arrested by what is believed to be the Iraqi secret service. His son, Flynn, recounted the anxiety the family experienced during the initial days of uncertainty regarding his father’s fate. For over five months, Mr. Pether was held without charges until being convicted and sentenced to five years in prison alongside a significant fine, a ruling subsequently criticized by international bodies for its lack of due process.
Legal battles have ensued since, with several unsuccessful appeals. Reports by the UN have pronounced their detention as a violation of international law, citing abusive interrogations and lack of proper legal representation. Despite a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce that crowned the central bank at fault in the dispute, the saga for Mr. Pether’s release continues.
His family, particularly his wife Desree and children, has rallied for his release, facing mounting legal fees that have pushed them towards selling their home. Flynn, now a university student, emotionally reflected on the absence of his father during pivotal life milestones and the struggles his mother endures to keep the family united amid turmoil. The family recently faced renewed charges against Mr. Pether, further complicating their hopes for a resolution.
Diplomatic discussions involving the Irish and Australian governments are ongoing. Flynn noted their appeals for accountability from Iraq in light of international commitments, expressing frustration that provisions from the New York Convention appear unrecognized by Iraqi officials. The health of Robert Pether remains a pressing concern, with reports of deterioration attributed to inadequate medical care in custody.
As Mr. Pether faces new charges of money laundering connected to his previous work, upcoming court proceedings fuel their fears of a perpetuated struggle. The family urges for greater international support and accountability from the Iraqi authorities to secure Mr. Pether’s release, asserting there exists a substantial evidential foundation proving their innocence and condemning the overarching lack of due process in their case.
The ongoing detention of Robert Pether in Iraq raises significant questions regarding international law and human rights. This case has garnered attention from both the Australian and Irish governments, who are engaged in continued diplomatic efforts to secure his release. The situation remains dire for Mr. Pether’s family, who face financial strain and emotional turmoil as they advocate for justice amidst a complex legal landscape. Furthermore, the implications of this situation extend beyond the individual, calling into question broader issues of accountability and due process in international disputes.
Original Source: www.rte.ie
