Australian academic on hunger strike in Iranian prison

An Australian academic being held in an Iranian prison has begun a hunger strike, along with another academic.

Melbourne University lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been held in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran since October last year.

She was accused of spying and has been convicted and sentenced to 10 years. A recent appeal failed.

In a letter dated Christmas Eve and published by supporters of Dr Gilbert-Moore and French-Iranian researcher Fariba Adelkhah, the women say they have begun refusing food and water.

France's Sciences Po school, where Ms Adelkhah works as a senior research fellow confirmed it in a tweet, Reuters reports.

"CERI confirms the hunger strike begun by Fariba Adelkhah and her co-detainee Kylie Moore-Gilbert," the institute said on Wednesday.

Ms Adelkhah was detained some months ago and is also accused of spying.

The government has previously described Dr Moore-Gilbert's situation as complex, and Foreign Minister Marise Payne has said Australia did not accept the spying charges against her.

"She's been receiving consular assistance and had a visit recently," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

"But I can assure you, and I know the extent that Kylie knows and we're doing everything that we can do bring her home."

However, Mr Morrison said the government remains concerned for Dr Moore-Gilbert's welfare.