Statements from Iranian authorities or verified news reports

Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Arrested in Tehran, Held in Evin Prison

Dec 27, 2024, 01:39 PM

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, a correspondent for Il Foglio and podcaster for Chora Media, has been arrested and detained in Iran, according to Italy's Foreign Ministry. Sala, 29, was taken into custody by Iranian police in Tehran on December 19 while conducting journalistic work with a valid visa. She left Rome on December 12 and produced three episodes of her 'Stories' podcast while in Iran, including one about a jailed Iranian female comedian. She is currently being held in solitary confinement at Tehran's Evin Prison, a facility known for housing political prisoners. The Italian ambassador in Iran, Paola Amadei, has visited Sala in prison to verify her condition. Italian officials, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, are closely monitoring the situation and working to secure her release. The charges against Sala remain unclear.