PM tight-lipped on prisoner swap to release academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert

Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been released from an Iranian prison, but the PM won’t say if terrorists were freed in the deal.

Scott Morrison has refused to confirm or deny that a prisoner swap secured the release of Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, saying other Australians could be put at risk if he did.

The Prime Minister held a virtual press conference about Dr Gilbert-Moore’s landmark release from an Iranian prison on Thursday.

Mr Morrison was asked about the release from a Thai prison of at least two Iranian men, who were convicted of terrorism charges after being part of an attempt to assassinate Israeli diplomats in Bangkok in 2012.

RELATED:  Kylie Moore-Gilbert speaks about ‘traumatic’ time in Iran prison

The release of Australian-British academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert and three unidentified men draped in Iranian flags was televised. Picture: Irib News Agency/AFP

But Mr Morrison said it would not be responsible to give details about the deal.

“Where another sovereign state has made a decision about the release of prisoners, that is a matter for them,” Mr Morrison said.

“I do understand the interest. I do understand the reasons why, rightly, these questions will be raised.

“We need to keep Australians safe in a whole matter of very complex and difficult arrangements and that is the reason why we are so discreet about the handling of these matters, because it can put other Australians at risk.”

British-Australian academic Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert has thanked everyone who supported her and campaigned for her freedom. Photo: DFAT/PA Wire.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne also refused to answer if Australia had consulted with the Israeli government on the release, or if any concerns had been made about the release of the men.

“I’m not going to comment on diplomatic discussions with other governments,” Senator Payne said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Kylie Moore-Gilbert was an extraordinarily intelligent, strong and courageous woman. Picture: Adam Taylor

Mr Morrison was also asked if Australia had thanked the government of Thailand for its assistance.

But he refused to weigh in, saying the question contained assumptions the “government does not confirm”.

Dr Moore-Gilbert was released from an Iranian prison after spending more than two years behind bars over allegations of espionage.

Iranian state media claimed she had been exchanged in an inmate swap for three Iranian citizens who had been detained abroad.

Dr Moore-Gilbert is now with the Australian ambassador to Iran and other officials in Tehran.

She will quarantine when she returns to Australia but will be “well supported” and not alone after the traumatic experience.