Official announcements from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian government, or major international news agencies

Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Held in Solitary at Iran's Evin Prison; Italy Seeks Her Release

Dec 28, 2024, 03:05 AM

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been arrested in Iran and is being held in solitary confinement at Evin Prison, according to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sala was detained by Iranian police in Tehran on December 19 while in the country on a valid journalistic visa. Her arrest came shortly after she released a podcast about an Iranian female comedian who had been jailed. The Italian ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei, has visited Sala in prison and confirmed that she is in good health. Italian authorities, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, are working to secure her release and are in contact with Iranian authorities to clarify the circumstances of her arrest. The government has urged media outlets to exercise caution in reporting on the case to avoid jeopardizing negotiations.