Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old Italian journalist and war correspondent, was arrested in Tehran on 19 December while reporting on the evolving situation in Iran. The reporter, who works for Il Foglio and Chora Media, was detained in solitary confinement for a week, sparking outrage and concern for her well-being. Sala had entered Iran on a regular journalist visa and had previously reported on subjects including the impact of the Syrian conflict.
The Italian government confirmed the detention and has since worked to secure her release. Sala was allowed two phone calls to her family, and Italy's Ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei, visited her in prison. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani assured the public that Sala is in good health. However, her charges and the reason for her detention remain unclear.
According to a spokesperson from the US State Department, Sala's arrest is believed to be in retaliation for the 16 December arrest of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, a Swiss-Iranian businessman, in Italy. Najafabadi is suspected of illegal sanctions violations related to drone trafficking, a move that has sparked a diplomatic conflict between Iran, Switzerland, and Italy.
The US official condemned the Iranian government’s use of arbitrary detentions as a political tool, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists who perform critical work, often in dangerous environments. "Journalists must be protected, and they should be released immediately," the spokesperson stated.
The arrest of Najafabadi in Milan, on charges of supplying drones used in terrorism, has caused significant strain between the involved nations. Najafabadi, who is accused of smuggling electronic devices that could be used in drone manufacturing, rejected the charges through his lawyer, who argues that the case is not as serious as it may appear. His detention is reportedly in accordance with an international arrest warrant issued by the United States.
Sala's case has garnered widespread attention, especially in Italy, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her concern and commitment to ensuring her safe return. The European Commission has also voiced its concern over the "sensitive" nature of the situation.
Sala, known for her reporting on international crises such as the fall of Kabul, the war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, has a significant social media following and is a regular contributor to Italian media discussions. As diplomatic negotiations unfold, both Italy and the European Union continue to press for her immediate release.
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