Italy Demands Release of Journalist Cecilia Sala from Iranian Custody

ROME: Italy has called for the immediate release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran, during a high-level meeting at the foreign ministry in Rome. The meeting, held on Thursday, was convened by Secretary General Riccardo Guariglia, following directives from Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, to address the situation with the Iranian ambassador.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Italian government issued a formal request for the release of Sala, a 29-year-old freelance correspondent for Il Foglio and podcaster for Chora News. Sala, who holds a journalist visa, was apprehended in Iran and is currently imprisoned in Tehran’s Evin prison on charges of breaching Islamic law.

During the talks, Guariglia emphasized the necessity of ensuring Sala’s detention conditions respect human rights. He also stressed the importance of granting full consular support, urging Iranian authorities to permit Italy’s Embassy in Tehran to visit Sala and deliver care packages, which have so far been denied.

Sala’s arrest on December 19 has raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of foreign journalists in Iran. The Italian government continues to advocate for her rights and seeks her safe and swift return to Italy.