Robert Pether stuck in Iraq. UN experts on torture voice concern
· Michael West
Robert Pether, the Australian engineer jailed for five years on trumped-up charges, remains in Iraq facing life-threatening illness, unable to leave for treatment.
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A group of UN experts on cruel and degrading punishment and advocating against arbitrary detention has expressed grave concerns over Pether’s health, saying his continued detention and treatment could
amount to hostage-taking under international law.
Meanwhile, pleas to DFAT to intervene are falling on deaf ears, while it continues to train staff at the Central Bank of Iraq at Australian taxpayers’ expense. This week, the UN Office of the Human Rights Commission (OHCHR) stated,
“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.”
Desree Pether’s family told MWM they have yet to have an explanation as to why the Government is unwilling to act to save the life of an Australian citizen.
Robert Pether. Australian falsely accused, stuck in Baghdad, DFAT dithering