Kylie Moore-Gilbert reveals how she dealt with 200 days of solitary confinement in Iran
Kylie Moore-Gilbert spent more than two years imprisoned in Iran, including seven months in solitary confinement. She is how she survived.
Kylie Moore-Gilbert, the Australian academic convicted and imprisoned in Iran for spying, has revealed the creative techniques she used to keep sane while she spent months in solitary confinement.
The University of Melbourne lecturer in Islamic Studies arrived home last year after spending 800 days in prison where she was put on trial for unfounded claims of espionage.
She opens up about her brutal ordeal in an Iranian jail in an world exclusive interview for Sky News.
But this is what you won’t see on Tuesday night’s interview.
RELATED:Demand captors made for Kylie Gilbert-Moore’s freedom
The 33-year-old described what she did to entertain herself to cope with the conditions and pass the time in solitary confinement. Her 804 days behind bars included seven months in solitary confinement.
She tried yoga and meditation but singing was her greatest stress buster, while also unknowingly lifting the spirits of fellow prisoners.
“I would sing. Sing whatever songs came into my head. And I’m a terrible singer. I feel sorry for the other prisoners who were there and having to be subjected to me,” she revealed.
“I heard from some of them later that they’d heard me singing in English, you know terrible 90’s pop music in English, for two hours each night to try and entertain my brain.”
In September 2018, Dr Moore-Gilbert had checked in to her flight home to Australia when she was arrested by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
RELATED: Aussie has vanished amid military coup
Convicted of spying and sentenced to serve 10 years on espionage charges, she spent more than two years fighting for her freedom.
She was interrogated and beaten by guards and kept in a freezing cell with constant noise and lights. Yet returning home has also been challenging as she discovered her husband of three years was having an affair.
Dr Moore-Gilbert shares her incredible story with former Sunrise host and journalist Melissa Doyle.
She describes the academic as one of the “most remarkable women I have had the privilege of interviewing”.
“Her experience will both frighten and shock you, her determination to survive will leave you in awe, but above all, her grace and strength will inspire you,” Ms Doyle said.
“I do not know how she survived years of hell — solitary confinement, starvation and the constant fear of what could happen next. Her dignity can only be admired.”
The world exclusive interview Escape From Iran: Kylie Moore-Gilbert airs on Tuesday night at 7pm AEDT on Sky News on Foxtel and Sky News on WIN.
ABC’s apology to former Aussie soldier
An independent review of ABC war crime reporting that sparked criticism for editing gunshot footage has found the broadcaster failed in its duty to its audience.
Liz Hayes leaves Nine after ‘standoff’
Star reporter Liz Hayes is leaving Nine after a remarkable 44-year career at the network. The shock departure comes amid a “standoff” with an exec.
Major update on top news reader’s health
Popular TV news reader Peter Overton vanished from our screens with his employer leaving it up to his wife to explain his absence.