Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been under arrest in Iran for over a week, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.
Sala, a reporter for Il Foglio newspaper and podcast producer for Chora Media, was detained by Tehran police on December 19.
The foreign ministry confirmed that Rome’s ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, visited Sala at Evin Prison, where she is reportedly being held in solitary confinement. Sala has been allowed two phone calls to her family, but Iranian authorities have not provided any explanation for her detention.
Chora Media revealed that Sala traveled to Iran on December 12 with a valid journalist visa. During her stay, she conducted interviews and produced episodes of her podcast, *Stories*. She was scheduled to return to Rome on December 20, but communication with her ceased the day before, following a few text exchanges.
In a statement, *Il Foglio* called for Sala’s immediate release, emphasizing that “journalism is not a crime.” The publication highlighted her dedication to reporting on Iran, a country she “knows and loves,” despite its restrictive environment for journalists.
Italy’s foreign ministry stated that it is working with Iranian authorities to clarify Sala’s legal situation. “We are following the case with utmost attention,” the ministry said, expressing concern over her detention.
The arrest comes amidst tense diplomatic relations between Iran and Italy. Iranian media recently reported that Tehran summoned the Swiss ambassador and a senior Italian diplomat over the arrest of two Iranian nationals abroad.
Iran’s human rights record remains under scrutiny following the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country’s mandatory hijab laws, leading to nationwide unrest and tens of thousands of arrests.
Sala’s detention has raised international alarm, with calls for transparency and respect for press freedom growing louder.
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