Italian Journalist Freed after Arrest in Iran
7
World
January 8, 2025 12:49
tehran, iran - Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released after being detained in Iran's capital, Tehran.
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released after being detained in Iran's capital, Tehran. The news of Sala's release was announced by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The decision regarding Sala's release was made through diplomatic and intelligence channels, according to Italian authorities.
Sala shared a link on her social media account titled 'A conversation about patriarchy in Tehran' on December 17. She was expected to return on December 20 after traveling to Iran with a journalist visa.
It was confirmed on December 30 that Sala, who arrived in the country on December 13 to report on Iranian society, was detained on December 19 for allegedly violating the law.
There were reports in the Italian media suggesting that Sala may have been detained for hostage bargaining. It was claimed that Iran demanded the release of Swiss-Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, who was detained in Italy under allegations of violating US sanctions, in exchange for Sala's freedom.