Prostate agony of Iraq 'hostage' Rob

INNOCENT “hostage” Robert Pether, who was jailed in Iraq on fraud charges, was found to have an enlarged prostate after he was hospitalised three times in a week.

- BY SEAN MURPHY

His distraught family in Ireland revealed Rob, 49, who previously had melanoma skin cancer, has a prostate that is “three times the normal size” and that he also has gallstones.

Construction engineer Rob, who is married to Desree Pether, 53, from Roscommon, has been locked up since April 2021.

He was jailed up to four years ago in a €20million contract row between his Dubai-based employer and the Central Bank of Iraq.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, Dail TD Claire Kerrane, and former senator Eugene Murphy have vowed to help secure his release.