Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Detained in Iran for Over a Week Without Clear Reason

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been detained in Tehran for over a week, and the reasons for her arrest remain unclear. Sala, who works for Chora Media and the newspaper Il Foglio, was in Iran to conduct journalistic work. She had a valid journalistic visa and was in the process of producing episodes for her podcast "Stories by Chora Media" when she was detained on December 19, 2024.

Sala was initially held in solitary confinement at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, known for holding political dissidents. The Italian Foreign Ministry, through its embassy and consulate in Tehran, has been actively involved in monitoring her situation and ensuring her well-being. On December 27, the Italian ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei, conducted a consular visit to verify her conditions and update her family.

Despite these efforts, the Iranian authorities have not provided a formal reason for Sala's detention. This has led to significant concern and calls for her immediate release from various Italian officials, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The Italian government has emphasized that negotiations with Iran are ongoing and involve high-level diplomatic actions.

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Sala's colleagues and family have expressed their distress and have called for her release, highlighting her professionalism and dedication to her work. The situation has drawn international attention, with many condemning the arbitrary nature of her arrest.