Irish wife of man jailed in Iraq for four years was ‘numb with shock' after release
'I got a little advance warning of his release and I was numb with shock as it was so unexpected.'
The Irish wife of Robert Pether who was released from an Iraqi jail last night has revealed how she was numb with shock when told the news
The couple live in Elphin county Roscommon and Robert was locked up four years ago after being caught up in a dispute between his employers and the Iraqi government but is now out on bail.
His wife Desree told the Sunday World, 'I got a little advance warning of his release and I was numb with shock as it was so unexpected.'
Robert Pether
News in 90 Seconds - 6th June 2025
'He called me from his lawyers phone late last night and only then did I really believe it.
It was a video call and he looked so ill he was barely recognizable.
'I hadn't seen him in weeks because he was too weak to take calls and we had been correspnding solely by email'
As part of his bail conditions Robert has to remain in Iraq and Desree's efforts to address that have been delayed.
'The Muslim festival of Eid has just begun and nothing gets done for a week so we just have to wait, but having waited four years to get this far we'll manage that
'He needs to get home for medical help so we'll battle on'.
Tanáiste Simon Harris pleaded Roberts case in a meeting with Iraqi officials last month and Desree said: 'To be fair the government here have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
FAI chief ‘concerned' over shock ‘whistleblower' email allegations against Irish football officials amid ‘sexting' claim
FAI chief David Courell is 'greatly concerned' over allegations made about Irish football officials in a whistleblower email. The anonymous message from someone calling themselves 'truthfootball' was sent to several key figures in the A number of allegations were made, with the sender warning of a 'wider culture that remains toxic', despite attempts to clean up the FAI in recent years. One allegation claims that a current FAI official was caught up in a sexting scandal at their non-FAI job. It's alleged that this person sent unsolicited photos of his genitals to a colleague, with the employer then investigating the claim. FAI Chief Executive Courell has written to everyone who received the email. Read more in News His email said: 'I can assure you that the FAI is greatly concerned about the information contained in this email and is taking steps to deal with the matter.' The FAI has suffered scandals in recent years, including financial issues under former 1 FAI chief David Courell is 'greatly concerned' over the allegations made Credit: Sportsfile
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Kneecap won't be prosecuted for 'Kill your local MP' call at this time, Met Police say
MEMBERS OF BELFAST rap group Kneecap will not face any charges relating to footage allegedly calling for the death of British MPs during a gig in November 2023. Counter-terrorism police in the UK were assessing the footage, which appeared to show one band member telling the crowd: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' A Met Police spokesperson said: 'A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. Advertisement 'A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution.' A decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time, the spokesperson continued, and added that the police force understands the impact the decision may have on MPs. Kneecap have found themselves in hot water as of late as one member of the band, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah , a proscribed organisation in Britain. The charge followed a video that was uncovered and distributed of a gig the Belfast rap band did in the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London last November. Ó hAnnaidh appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month, where hundreds of supporters were gathered outside waving Irish and Palestinian flags in support of the rap group. Related Reads Kneecap: What's the terror charge 'Mo Chara' is facing, what's the defence and the sentence? 'We will fight you in your court. We will win' - Kneecap slams 'political policing' after terror charge Yesterday, the band performed at Glastonbury to a packed audience. Their set was not live-streamed on the BBC due to criticism from politicians and Ó hAnnaidh's charge for a terror offence. British police said today they are assessing videos of comments made by Kneecap and another act, Bob Vylan, at the music festival yesterday to decide whether any offences may have been committed. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Post
2 hours ago
- Irish Post
Trio including man 'with bright white teeth and Irish accent' sought over theft in Somerset
POLICE in England are looking to identify three men with Irish accents following an incident of theft and threatening behaviour in Somerset. Two large leisure batteries, often used in caravans, motorhomes and boats, were taken from a store on Hankridge Retail Park in Taunton at around 7.20pm on Thursday, April 10. One staff member was also subjected to threatening and aggressive behaviour during the incident, which police say caused significant distress. "We understand that incidents like this can cause concern among retail staff and local shoppers," said PC Riggs of Avon and Somerset Police. Descriptions Officers are now releasing CCTV images and descriptions of a group of people they would like to identify in relation to the incident. The first man is described as being between 20 and 35 years old, around 5' 8" in height, with bright white teeth and an Irish accent. He was wearing a grey tracksuit at the time of the incident. Police have released descriptions of the three men (Image: Avon and Somerset Police) The second man, aged between 20 and 35, had dark hair and an Irish accent and was wearing a black T-shirt and grey shorts. The third man, who was also aged between 20 and 35 and had an Irish accent, was wearing an orange T-shirt. The group left the area in a silver Audi A3. 'Stronger and better' "Targeting retail premises and threatening staff is unacceptable, and we are working hard to identify those involved and hold them to account," said PC Riggs. "Neighbourhood officers are conducting high-visibility patrols in the area, and we are working closely with store security teams and community partners to provide reassurance and prevent further incidents. "We would like to thank the member of staff involved for their courage in reporting the offence, and we encourage anyone affected by crime to speak to us — support is always available." Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and spoken to people in the area as part of their investigation and are now urging anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with any information on the identity of the people pictured or who may have other information on the incident are urged to call 101, quoting reference 5225102400. See More: Somerset, Taunton
