Italy's Cecilia Sala, 29, Arrested in Iran; Government Negotiates Release

Dec 27, 2024, 11:56 AM

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old correspondent for Il Foglio and podcaster, has been arrested by Iranian authorities in Tehran, Italy's foreign ministry said. Sala was detained on December 19 while in Iran on a regular journalistic visa to carry out reporting. The foreign ministry, led by Minister Antonio Tajani, confirmed that Sala is being held in solitary confinement in Evin prison and that an envoy has visited her in detention. Sala has been in solitary confinement for a week. She reportedly told her parents, 'I'm fine but hurry.' The Italian government is in contact with Iranian authorities and is negotiating for her release. Italian politicians, including Elly Schlein, have expressed concern and called on the government to take all necessary measures to bring her home.