Health Crisis in Baghdad
Desree Pether, a Roscommon-based resident, has issued a public appeal regarding the deteriorating health of her husband, Robert Pether, an Australian engineer who remains trapped in Baghdad following his release from prison last year. Despite his release from detention, Mr. Pether is effectively confined due to a travel ban and the lack of essential documentation, including his passport and identification.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Desree Pether described her husband’s condition as critical. She noted that he is suffering from recurring melanoma, evidenced by a severely infected lesion on his chest, and is experiencing significant cognitive decline. She stated that at the time of his release, he was exhibiting symptoms of stage-three starvation due to prolonged medical neglect while in custody.
Background of the Detention
Robert Pether was arrested in April 2021 while working as a mechanical engineer for CME Consulting on a project to rebuild the Central Bank of Iraq. His detention followed a contract dispute between his employer and the Iraqi authorities. Along with an Egyptian colleague, he was sentenced to five years in prison and fined $12 million.
A 2022 United Nations report concluded that the proceedings against the men violated international law, citing “abusive and coercive” interrogation tactics. Although the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) later ruled that the Iraqi Central Bank was at fault in the dispute, the two men remained imprisoned until June 2025.
Lack of Post-Release Support
The situation remains precarious as Mr. Pether lacks the legal status required to access hospitals or move freely within Baghdad. Desree Pether expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Irish government, noting that they have provided support within the limitations of his status as a non-citizen. However, she emphasized that the combination of physical illness, psychological trauma from isolation, and the inability to reunite with his family continues to take a severe toll.