The Australian Association of University Professors holds grave concern for the welfare of Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert of Melbourne University, now in prison in Iran. Dr Moore-Gilbert is a lecturer in Islamic Studies and received a grant from the University of Melbourne to build on her PhD topic and research Iran’s relations with Shia groups in Bahrain. Following her travel to Iran, she was arrested on charges of spying. Dr Moore-Gilbert has been in prison since September 2018.
Dr Moore-Gilbert has had minimal consular access during this time. Through letters smuggled out of the notorious Evin prison, she complains of extreme psychological stress and a sense of emotional isolation. This is utterly unacceptable. Academics should be free to pursue their research interests without fear of persecution and imprisonment.
While we acknowledge that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has tried to secure Dr Moor-Gilbert’s release, she is still in prison. We call upon the Australian Government and Prime Minister Scott Morrison to treat this matter with the utmost urgency to secure her immediate release.