Roscommon resident marks his 50th birthday today in Iraqi jail

As Robert Pether marks his 50th birthday today, Tuesday, in an Iraqi prison his wife Desree is hoping to soon meet with Tánaiste Simon Harris in a bid to secure his freedom.

Robert’s family who live in Elphin have been campaigning for years to have him released as their fears are growing about his physical and mental health.

The construction engineer was jailed over four years ago in a €20 million contract row between his Dubai-based employer and the Central Bank of Iraq. His family expected him home at Christmas but instead were devastated to learn at the time he was facing more charges and could now be jailed for another 15 years.

Robert, who is from Australia but made his home is Elphin, applied for Irish citizenship before he was sentenced.

Desree recently wrote to the Iraqi Ambassador in Dublin outlining that Robert had been in hospital three times in a week saying he can barely walk and was in pain. She said, “his body is shutting down,” and pleaded for his release.

Local Sinn Fein TD, Deputy Claire Kerrane has also called for his release while former Senator Eugene Murphy said the situation needs to be brought to an end with the release of Robert.

Read more about Robert's story here