Italy Demands Release Of Detained Female Journalist

Sala, 29, who reports for the Italian daily Il Foglio, was arrested on December 19, just days after she entered Iran on a journalist's visa.

Before her detention, she had reported extensively from Ukraine on its conflict with Russia, a close ally of Iran.

The detention occurred shortly after the United States and Italy arrested two Iranian nationals over alleged export violations tied to an attack on American servicemen.

The Italian journalist has reportedly been held in isolation since her arrest, prompting international concern. 

NewArab reports that Italy has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of journalist Cecilia Sala, who has been detained in Iran since December 19.

Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of Italy's foreign ministry, met with Iran's ambassador, Mohammad Reza Sabouri, to discuss Sala's case, according to a ministry statement.

However, Italy has demanded her "immediate release," stressing that Sala entered Iran on a valid journalist visa.

Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, vowed unwavering support for Sala and her family. 

"From the first day of Cecilia Sala's arrest, we have been working tirelessly to bring her home," Tajani said.

"We demand that all her rights be respected. We will not leave her or her parents' side until her release."

Sala, who travelled to Iran on December 13, was arrested six days later on accusations of "violating the law of the Islamic Republic of Iran," according to Iran’s culture ministry, which oversees foreign journalists. 

The detention occurred shortly after the United States and Italy arrested two Iranian nationals over alleged export violations tied to an attack on American servicemen.

Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, summoned Iran's ambassador to Rome on Thursday, urged the immediate release of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Tehran under controversial circumstances.

During a phone call with her family on Wednesday, Sala revealed distressing conditions in detention, including sleeping on the floor of a cell with constant lighting, Italian media reported.

Italy’s ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, has visited Sala, but a care package intended for her has yet to be delivered, Italian outlets noted.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry urged Iranian authorities to allow embassy staff access to Sala and to ensure she receives the withheld items.

Tajani called her arrest "unacceptable" but acknowledged the challenges in securing her release from Tehran’s Evin prison.

Sala’s last post on social media platform X was on December 17, linking to a podcast titled "A Conversation on Patriarchy in Tehran."