UN experts concerned over health of Elphin father trapped in Iraq
Robert Pether spent four and a half years of incarceration in an Iraqi prison.
United Nations experts have grave concern over reports that Elphin father Robert Pether, who has spent years arbitrarily detained in Iraq, is now facing a potentially life-threatening medical situation while still unable to leave the country.
Engineer Robert, who is originally from Australia, spent over four years in an Iraqi prison following a contractual dispute between his employer CME Consulting and the Central Bank of Iraq. Released in January 2025 he still remains under a travel ban.
His family who lives in Elphin now say it’s time to let him home.
In a report last Monday the UN experts said that since his release Robert’s health situation has reportedly deteriorated significantly. He has a documented history of melanoma and dysplastic nevus syndrome, placing him in a high-risk category requiring specialist surveillance and treatment.
The experts reiterated that the situation is particularly alarming given his declining health, inadequate access to specialist medical care, and the severe psychological toll of his prolonged detention and uncertainty.
“No one should be deprived of access to potentially life-saving medical care because of a commercial dispute to which they are not personally a party,” the experts said. “Nor should financial claims, civil proceedings, or political considerations prevent a seriously ill individual from accessing urgent treatment and returning home.” “We urge Australian and Iraqi authorities to act without delay to ensure that Robert Pether receives appropriate specialist medical care and that any remaining obstacles preventing his departure from Iraq are urgently resolved,” they said.
His family, welcoming the official report, stated that “this validates everything we have been saying.” His wife Desree told the Roscommon Herald, “He really does need emergency medical treatment, and we need to try and convince these people to have compassion.”
She added, “International laws are being violated, and it just has to stop. It is time to let him go.” The family is also concerned that due to fact that Robert had not completed his Irish citizenship, if released he will have to return to Australia in order to access the medical treatment he requires. “It never ends,” said Desree, “but we will keep on fighting.”
