Italy Demands Immediate Release of Journalist Cecilia Sala from Iran's Evin Prison Amid Harsh Conditions

Jan 2, 2025, 01:34 PM

Italy has escalated diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old Italian journalist detained in Iran's Evin prison since December 19. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned Iran's ambassador to Rome, Mohammad Reza Sabouri, demanding Sala's immediate release and humane treatment. Sala, who entered Iran on a journalist visa and reports for Il Foglio and Chora Media, has been held in Tehran under harsh conditions for 14 days, including sleeping on the floor and being denied basic necessities like eyeglasses. The Italian government has also requested consular access to Sala and the delivery of comfort items that have been withheld. The case has drawn international attention, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calling for Sala's release, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. Concurrently, Italy is dealing with the case of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian national arrested in Milan at the request of the U.S., which Iran has linked to Sala's detention, suggesting a potential prisoner swap.