Ana Diamond knows what it’s like to be convicted of espionage in Iran and to spend time in solitary confinement in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison.
The British-Iranian citizen was arrested in 2016 and sentenced to death on espionage charges before eventually being released.
Ms Diamond's experiences are remarkably similar to those of British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who was on Thursday released by Iran after 800 days in custody - also on spying charges. 
“My own feeling after my release was that of absolute fatigue and exhaustion. To have been fighting for my innocence and sanity for many months is a concept many are not familiar with,” Ms Diamond told SBS News.
Ana Diamond was sentenced to death for espionage in Iran.
“I can imagine that Kylie will be feeling exactly that, but there is also a state of gratitude, hope, and ultimately, triumph, to have overcome such injustice and terror, and that you are finally on your way home to your loved ones.
“As per my own experience, a new chapter has begun for Kylie, and I can imagine she is looking forward to it.”
Ms Diamond, who now runs the Families Alliance Against State Hostage Taking, urged Dr Moore-Gilbert not to feel rushed into giving media interviews or sharing her story, saying she herself took a full year of privacy before being ready to do so.
British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert seen on Iranian state television. Source: Iranian State Television
“She may be ready much sooner than that, but it varies from individual to individual," she said.
"My advice would be to be honest with yourself, your feelings, and your needs. You do not need to rush to share your story until you are absolutely ready."
She also encouraged Dr Moore-Gilbert to reach out for help.
“There is no shame in reaching out for help and support when you need it, that you are never alone, and were never alone, in this," she said.
"She has the entire support of academic circles and the human rights circles behind her, and we are only a call away.
“But I think she would already know that. Kylie is an incredibly intelligent and brilliant young woman, she only needs time to regain her character."
Dr Moore-Gilbert was released in exchange for three Iranians, state television in the Islamic republic reported on Wednesday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) released a statement from Dr Moore-Gilbert on Thursday morning, in which she spoke of her love for the people of Iran and her "bittersweet feelings" about leaving the country.
"I have nothing but respect, love and admiration for the great nation of Iran and its warm-hearted, generous and brave people," Dr Moore-Gilbert said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has refused to offer details on whether the Iranian prisoners involved in the swap were from Australia.
"I don't go into any of these arrangements," he said on Thursday morning.
A lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne, Dr Moore-Gilbert's arrest was confirmed by Iran in September 2019 but it is believed she had been detained a year earlier.
She has strenuously denied the charges against her.
