Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Released from Iranian Prison After Three Weeks
Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who had been imprisoned in Iran for three weeks, is finally returning to Italy. The news was confirmed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office on January 8. A statement revealed that Sala had just boarded a flight leaving Tehran, following significant diplomatic and intelligence efforts to secure her release.
The Italian government expressed gratitude for the support received during the process, as Prime Minister Meloni communicated the good news to Sala’s parents via phone. Cecilia Sala, 29, was detained on December 19 after her arrival in Iran on a journalist's visa on December 13. Her imprisonment came shortly after the U.S. and Italy apprehended two Iranian nationals due to export violations associated with a deadly attack on American servicemen.
Sala, a writer for the Italian daily Il Foglio and host of a news podcast by Chora Media, faced challenging conditions during her time in Evin prison, where she was kept in isolation, forced to sleep on the floor, and exposed to constant light in her cell.
Relations between Italy and Iran became strained following Sala's arrest, prompting both nations to summon their ambassadors. Meanwhile, Iran denied any connection between Sala's arrest and that of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini, who was detained in Italy in December under U.S. pressure.
Sala's release marks a significant relief for her family, friends, and colleagues who were anxiously awaiting her safe return home.
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