Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran since December 19, has been released and is on her way back to Italy, following intensive diplomatic efforts. A plane carrying Sala took off from Tehran after significant work by Italian authorities through both diplomatic and intelligence channels. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed the news, informing Sala’s family of her release.
Sala, a 29-year-old reporter for Il Foglio daily, was detained in Tehran three days after arriving on a journalist visa. Iranian state media reported that she was accused of violating the Islamic Republic’s laws, although specifics of the charges were not disclosed. The circumstances of her detention quickly sparked concerns that she might have been used as leverage in a broader diplomatic situation.
Italian media speculated that Sala’s detention was linked to the arrest of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini, who was detained in Milan on December 16 at the request of the United States. Abedini is wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly supplying drone technology used in a deadly attack on an American military outpost in Jordan in January 2024.
While Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the release, the situation highlights the complex intersection of journalism, diplomacy, and international security issues in Iran. Sala’s safe return to Italy follows a tense few weeks but marks a victory for diplomatic negotiation in ensuring the freedom of foreign journalists.
