Italian Journalist Detained in Iran Sparks Diplomatic Concerns

Cecilia Sala, a journalist for Il Foglio and Chora Media, has been detained in Tehran since December 19, leading to calls for her release from the Italian government.

An Italian journalist, Cecilia Sala, has been in detention in Iran for over a week after being arrested by Tehran police, the Italian Foreign Ministry reported. Sala, who contributes to Il Foglio and Chora Media, was taken into custody on December 19, and there has been no official acknowledgment of her arrest by Iranian authorities. Chora Media revealed that Sala is currently held in solitary confinement at Evin prison, where she has not been provided with a reason for her detention.

In response to the situation, Italy's Foreign Ministry expressed that it is following the case with "utmost attention." It was confirmed that Rome's ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, visited Sala to assess her conditions and that she has had the opportunity to make two phone calls to her family. The ministry also mentioned ongoing efforts to engage with Iranian officials to clarify Sala's legal status.

Cecilia Sala entered Iran on December 12 with a valid journalist visa and had conducted several interviews relevant to her work, producing episodes for her podcast titled "Stories." Her flight back to Rome was scheduled for December 20, but communication with her ceased on December 19 after she sent a few messages.

Il Foglio has publicly advocated for Sala's release, emphasizing, "journalism is not a crime." The publication highlighted her commitment to reporting on a country she deeply cares for, where freedom of the press is severely restricted. The situation has raised diplomatic tensions, as Iran has also summoned diplomatic representatives from Switzerland and Italy regarding the arrest of two Iranian nationals, amid ongoing discussions between the countries.