Irish Family Seeks Justice: Father Detained in Iraq Amid Legal Dispute

Robert Pether, an Australian engineer, has been detained in Iraq since April 2021 amid allegations of fraud tied to his work. The United Nations has labeled his detention arbitrary. His family, facing financial strain due to legal costs, continues to fight for his release, with undocumented health issues plaguing Pether during his incarceration. Diplomatic efforts by Ireland and Australia persist while new legal charges appear that deepen the family’s concerns.

Robert Pether, an Australian mechanical engineer, has been detained in Iraq since April 2021 on fraud charges, with claims of arbitrary detention made by the United Nations. Following a significant role in reconstructing Iraq’s Central Bank headquarters, a dispute arose between the bank and Pether’s employer, leading to his arrest and that of his colleague, Khalid Radwan, who were accused of theft related to the project.
The family recalls the distressing incident when Mr. Pether was taken into custody during a meeting meant to resolve the dispute. For days, his family was left without contact, fearing for his safety. Eventually, they learned he and Mr. Radwan faced significant legal challenges, including a harsh conviction, which was criticized by the UN for violating their rights to a fair trial and due process.
Pether’s wife, Desree, and their three Irish citizen children have dedicated much of their time and energy to advocating for his release, facing escalating legal bills of €120,000, prompting the family to consider selling their home. Flynn Pether, their son, emotionally expressed that his father’s absence has impacted many significant life milestones, naming missed events like graduation and birthdays. They had held hope for his release early this year, but new charges unexpectedly surfaced, escalating their distress.
The Irish government has offered diplomatic assistance due to Flynn’s Irish citizenship, collaborating with both Australia and Egypt to address the situation. However, Flynn indicated that the response from Australian officials has been insufficient despite numerous diplomatic efforts. He asserted that Iraq should be held accountable for failing to comply with international agreements related to his father’s case.
Robert Pether’s health has deteriorated during his incarceration, suffering from health issues that are left untreated in prison. Flynn, now studying mechanical engineering at university, describes the heartbreaking experience of preparing gifts for his father, highlighting the emotional toll on the family during holidays and significant events. Despite this, he maintains communication with Robert regarding academic pursuits to remain emotionally connected.
The Pether family has emphasized the need for increased support in securing Robert’s release, stating that substantial evidence supports their case of innocence, which has been ignored by Iraqi authorities. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed their ongoing involvement, emphasizing collaborative efforts with the Australian government to secure Mr. Pether’s freedom amid continuous legal struggles.
As Mr. Pether prepares to face new allegations of money laundering, which his family contests, they fear that without proper legal accountability, he and Mr. Radwan could face a lifetime of unjust incarceration due to the perceived lack of fair legal processes.

The plight of Robert Pether remains dire as he faces continued unjust detention in Iraq under dubious legal charges. His family, suffering not only emotionally but also financially, continues to advocate for his release with the support of both the Irish and Australian governments. Continued calls for accountability from Iraq highlight the significant implications of international law enforcement and the profound effects of arbitrary detention on individuals and families.

Original Source: www.rte.ie