Australia Seeks Explanation from Tehran Over Transfer of Australian University Professor Detained in Iran to Unknown Location

Australia says it has requested an explanation from Tehran regarding reports of the transfer of Kylie Moore Gilbert, an Australian university professor, from Qarchak Prison to an unknown location in Iran.

According to Associated Press, Australia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday, October 26, that the country has requested clarification regarding reports of the transfer of Ms. Moore Gilbert, an Australian citizen detained in Iran, to an unknown location.

Marise Payne, Australia’s Foreign Minister, stated that Lindall Sax, the country’s ambassador in Tehran, had a consular meeting with Ms. Moore Gilbert at Qarchak “some time ago,” and Australian officials are “seeking additional information” regarding reports of her transfer.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has described the pursuit of Moore Gilbert’s release as an “absolute priority” for the department.

Kylie Moore Gilbert, who specializes in Middle Eastern affairs with a focus on Persian Gulf region countries, was recently detained in Iran, and news of her arrest was announced by Iran’s Judiciary Spokesperson on charges of “security and espionage.” The university professor has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Previously, it was reported that Ms. Gilbert was transferred to Qarchak Prison in August, but human rights organizations in Iran reported that she was transferred to an unknown location on Saturday.

Kylie Moore Gilbert recently staged a hunger strike in response to the court’s decision to reject her appeal of the 10-year prison sentence.

The U.S. State Department has repeatedly condemned the arbitrary and unlawful detention of American citizens and nationals of other countries, including dual nationals of Iranian descent, by the Islamic Republic regime, and has called for their immediate and unconditional release.

Source: Voice of America