Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert has landed in Canberra, after spending more than two years locked up in Iran before a reported prisoner swap deal this week.
Key points:
- Kylie Moore-Gilbert was detained in Iran for more than 800 days
- She had been serving 10 years on espionage charges
- Ms Moore-Gilbert touched down at Canberra Airport late on Friday afternoon
Dr Moore-Gilbert, a University of Melbourne lecturer, was sentenced to 10 years' jail after being convicted of espionage, a charge she has always denied.
She was reportedly released in exchange for three Iranians held in Thailand.
Following her release this week, Dr Moore-Gilbert released a statement thanking her supporters and the Australian Government for working to secure her freedom.
She asked for privacy for her and her family "during what will undoubtedly be a challenging period of adjustment".
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed he had spoken to Dr Moore-Gilbert and said: "It was wonderful to hear her voice".
Dr Moore-Gilbert said in her statement she was departing Iran "with bittersweet feelings" and "as a friend with friendly intentions", despite spending more than 800 days in prison.
"I have nothing but respect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warm-hearted, generous and brave people," she said.
"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 Iran with those sentiments not only still intact, but strengthened."
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she was "extremely pleased and relieved" Dr Moore-Gilbert had been released.
She said the release was achieved through "diplomatic engagement" with the Iranian Government, and that Dr Moore-Gilbert had asked for privacy.
More to come.
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2020-11-27 07:59:00Z
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