‘Miracle’ as Aussie freed
Iran releases academic after two horror years
SHE spent 804 “traumatic” days in hell hole prisons in Iran.
But today academic Kylie Moore-gilbert could be back in the sanctity of Australia, after a release even the Prime Minister described as a “miracle”.
Officials were last night working to reunite the 33year-old with her “relieved and ecstatic” family, in a plan which respected coronavirus quarantine rules, but acknowledged the exceptional circumstances. Freedom for the University of Melbourne academic – who was locked up on spying charges she fiercely denied – came through an unexpected prisoner swap deal with three Iranians, jailed in Thailand over a bungled bomb plot.
She was due to fly back on either a military or privately chartered flight and be taken to a secure location for the meeting with her family, who are from Bathurst, NSW.
Dr Moore-gilbert, 33, who went on at least five hunger strikes during more than two years mainly spent in solitary confinement t in a 2m by 3m cell, expressed her relief in a c a r e f u l l y worded statement.
“T h a n k you also to all of you who have supported me and campaigned for my freedom, it has meant the world to me to have you behind me throughout what has been a long and traumatic ordeal,” the Islamic
Studies expert said. “I have nothing but respect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warm-hearted, generous and brave people.
“It is with bittersweet feelings that I depart your country, despite the injustices which I have been subjected to. I came to Iran as a friend and with friendly intentions, and depart with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened.”
Dr Moore-gilbert ( pictured), a dual British-australian national, was arrested in
September 2018 after a colleague at a conference she had been invited to at the University of Qom, which could have been a trap, alerted authorities.
She was picked up at the Tehran international airport as she was about to fly home, tried in secret, sentenced to 10 years’ jail and had an appeal rejected last year.
On August 23, 2019 she wrote to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps saying she would not accept their offer to spy on Australian interests.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to comment on the details of the diplomatic processes used to secure her release. He spoke with her yesterday morning, saying she was healthy and in good spirits.
“To you Kylie, you are amazing,” Mr Morrison said.
“Your strength and your courage is an example to all Australians in an enormously difficult year here at home.
“I have always believed in miracles and I’m just thankful for this one as well.”
Dr Moore-gilbert’s family described her release as “incredible”.