‘I KNOW WHAT HE’S GOING THROUGH’

Melbourne academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who spent more than two years jailed in Iran on a charge of espionage, before being freed in November 2020, knows firsthand just how tough it would be for Robert Pether in a Baghdad jail.

“I’m sure his jail cell is every bit as bad, or possibly worse, than my own in Iran,” she tells WHO. “Our officials need to communicate to their Iraqi counterparts that Robert’s detention is unjustified and that we expect nothing less than his immediate release,” says MooreGilbert, 34, a Middle East expert.

“As Robert doesn’t speak Arabic, he isn’t able to communicate with his jailers or the other prisoners. Not knowing what is going on, not being able to tell prison guards when he needs assistance or medical treatment, is extraordinarily frustrating. I know he is also struggling with the hygiene and sanitation conditions in his cell.”

Adds Kylie, “He will be really struggling with the uncertainty about what will happen to him. Political prisoners need hope; without hope, it’s almost impossible to survive. I hope he is keeping his spirits up and isn’t letting himself be overcome by despair and hopelessness.”

She is confident, that with some diplomatic effort on Australia’s part, Robert can be released. “The Australian government has more leverage with the Iraqis than Iranians.”

Kylie has been in touch with Desree, offering support and advice. “When someone is arbitrarily detained or taken hostage, their loved ones suffer, too. What this ordinary Australian family has had to endure will continue to impact them long after Robert comes home.”