Official announcements from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or major news agencies

Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Arrested in Iran, Held in Solitary Confinement Since December 19

Dec 27, 2024, 11:45 AM

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been arrested in Tehran, Iran, and is currently being held in solitary confinement. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Sala was detained by Iranian police on December 19 while in the country on a regular journalistic visa. Italian authorities, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with Iranian officials to secure her release. The Italian ambassador has visited her in prison and confirmed her condition. Sala, a correspondent for Il Foglio and a podcaster, managed to convey a message to her parents saying, "I'm fine but please hurry." Concerns have been raised about her well-being, and calls have been made for her immediate release, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime.