'Robert has lung cancer ..He will die soon if he is not released'

Family of Iraq 'hostage' in fresh plea for freedom after his diagnosis

- BY SEAN MURPHY

THE devastated family of a man jailed as an "innocent hostage" in Iraq want him home to avoid a death sentence - after he was diagnosed in prison with lung cancer.

The Star reported last week how efforts to have Roscommon dad Robert Pether released have been intensified.

Tanaiste Simon Harris held top-level talks with Iraq's deputy prime minister Dr Fuad Hussein to lobby for Rob's freedom.

Last night, Rob's wife Desree said from their home at Elphin, Co Roscommon, that the family received grim news from Baghdad.

They are now selling their home, car and furniture in a bid to raise cash to "survive".

Desree, 53, told us: "Robert has lung cancer. I'm so sick of having to tell my kids something terrible and shocking is happening to their dear father.

"I have told them. I told them we have to get him home so he can start a new fight. The children worry they'll never see him again.

"Three international court rulings and a UN report say he shouldn't have been arrested in the first place. He needs to be released. We need some compassion.