Germany Italy demands Iran release imprisoned journalist
Italy has demanded that Iran release a journalist who has been in solitary confinement in Tehran's notorious Evin prison for more than a week. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced her intention to bring reporter Cecilia Sala home "as soon as possible".
28.12.2024, 20:51
SDA
The 29-year-old, who works for the daily newspaper "Il Foglio" and runs a podcast, was arrested by the police in Tehran on December 19. She actually wanted to return to Italy the following day. It is still unclear what exactly she is accused of. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani asked for restraint when reporting on the case.
More than 400,000 followers on Instagram
Sala is considered an expert on Iran. She has been to the country several times. In Italy, she is best known for her podcast "Stories". She has more than 400,000 followers on Instagram. According to Italy, she also had a journalist visa for her current stay in order to be able to work in Iran.
According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sala has only been able to make two phone calls since her arrest: one with her mother and one with her partner, also a journalist. In the conversation with her partner, she assured them that she was doing well. However, there are doubts as to whether she was able to speak openly.
Connection with arrest in Milan?
On Friday, the journalist received a visit from the Italian ambassador to Iran. Dissidents are also imprisoned in Evin prison. Another Italian journalist who was held there was only released in 2022 after 45 days in prison.
Italian newspapers speculate that the arrest could be linked to the detention of an Iranian man at Milan's Malpensa airport. The man was arrested before Christmas at the request of the USA because he was allegedly involved in arms trafficking. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, he also has Swiss citizenship.
It is possible that Tehran is now using the arrest of the journalist to exert pressure on Rome so that the Iranian is not extradited to the USA.
