TEHRAN: Iran confirmed the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, citing alleged violations of Islamic Republic laws on December 19.
Iran’s Ministry of Culture reported the arrest, with Sala currently under investigation, according to state news agency IRNA.
The Italian Embassy in Tehran was informed, and Sala received a visit from Italian Ambassador Paola Amadei in prison.
Italian authorities said Sala made two calls to her family, but the charges against her remain unknown.
Ambassador Verifies Detention Conditions
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said a lawyer had not yet visited Sala but hoped this would happen soon.
The journalist is detained at Tehran’s Evin Prison, a facility known for holding political prisoners and activists.
Sala’s Italian publication Il Foglio reported she was in Iran on a valid journalistic visa to report on local issues.
Sala had previously conducted interviews and created three podcast episodes before her arrest on December 19.
Calls for Sala’s Release
Il Foglio’s editor declared, “Journalism is not a crime,” demanding immediate efforts to bring Cecilia Sala safely home.
Chora Media, where Sala also works, highlighted she left Italy on December 12 with necessary journalistic credentials.
Chora Media kept her arrest private initially, respecting family and government requests for silent diplomacy.
Authorities continue to engage with Iran for clarity regarding Cecilia Sala’s arrest and to secure her release.