Kallas Urges Immediate Release of Italian Journalist Held in Iran

BRUSSELS: The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has called for the swift release of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran. Sala’s arrest has sparked international concern, with her detention being viewed as a potential bargaining chip in a complex diplomatic situation involving a Swiss-Iranian businessman.

According to Ansa News Agency, Sala’s detention in Iran is suspected to be linked to a potential prisoner exchange. The Swiss-Iranian businessman in question was arrested in Milan on charges from the United States, accused of supplying drone parts used in an attack that resulted in the deaths of three servicemen in Jordan a year prior. Kallas, Estonia’s first female prime minister, emphasized the importance of journalistic freedom and condemned the detainment of Sala.

In a statement, Kallas declared, “I call for the immediate release of the Italian reporter Cecilia Sala, arrested in Iran. No one should be detained for doing their job, journalism is not a crime.” She further stressed the critical role of journalism, especially during times of global crisis, asserting that journalists must be able to report without fear of arrest or persecution.