Iran released Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, who had been detained on December 19, and she is heading to Italy now. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that Sala’s release followed intensive diplomatic efforts. Iranian authorities arrested Sala while she was working with a valid journalistic visa. They held her in solitary confinement at Tehran’s infamous Evin prison.
Detention Linked to Arrest of Iranian Businessman
Iranian authorities detained Sala just days after they arrested Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini in Milan on December 16. U.S. authorities issued a warrant for Abedini’s arrest, accusing him of supplying drone parts linked to a deadly attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members. In Italy, people widely speculated that Iran detained Sala to use her as a bargaining chip for Abedini’s release following his arrest.
Prime Minister Meloni Shares the News of Sala’s Release
Prime Minister Meloni personally informed Sala’s family of her release. “The plane taking Cecilia Sala home from Tehran is in flight. Thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels, our compatriot has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy,” Meloni wrote on X. She also expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the efforts that led to Sala’s safe return.
È in volo l’aereo che riporta a casa Cecilia Sala da Teheran.
Grazie a un intenso lavoro sui canali diplomatici e di intelligence, la nostra connazionale è stata rilasciata dalle autorità iraniane e sta rientrando in Italia. Ho informato personalmente i genitori della giornalista…— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) January 8, 2025
Iran’s Record of Detaining Foreign Nationals
Iran has a history of detaining foreign nationals and dual citizens on charges of espionage and security-related offenses. Rights groups have frequently accused Iran of using such detentions to secure political or diplomatic concessions from other countries. However, Iran denies these allegations and asserts that its arrests are based on national security concerns.
Cecilia Sala’s Return Marks a Victory for Diplomatic Efforts
After more than a month in detention, Cecilia Sala is now on her way home, bringing a close to a tense diplomatic standoff. Her release highlights the continued efforts by Italy and the international community to address the issue of foreign detainees in Iran and ensure the safety of journalists working in the region.
