Iranian authorities have confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala on charges of violating the country’s laws. The 29-year-old journalist and host of a prominent foreign affairs podcast was detained on December 19, just before her scheduled departure from Iran.
Ms. Sala is reportedly being held in solitary confinement in Tehran’s Evin prison. Her detention comes amidst rising tensions between Iran, Italy, and the United States. A U.S. State Department spokesperson suggested to La Repubblica that her arrest might be linked to the recent detention of Iranian citizen Mohammad Abedini in Milan. Abedini was arrested on December 16 for allegedly supplying drone components to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, leading to the deaths of three American soldiers. The US is seeking his extradition.
While neither Italy nor Iran has officially connected Ms. Sala’s case to Abedini’s arrest, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned an Italian diplomat over the matter on December 21. Italy has condemned Ms. Sala’s detention as “unacceptable,” with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling the situation “complicated” and describing ongoing negotiations as “delicate.”
Ms. Sala’s employer, Chora Media, revealed her arrest on December 27 after initially adhering to a request from her family and the Italian Foreign Ministry to remain silent in hopes of a quick resolution. She has since been granted consular access and is in contact with her family by phone. She has also received a care package including food and personal items to improve her conditions in prison.
Italian officials, including Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, have emphasized that securing Ms. Sala’s release requires diplomatic efforts rather than public pressure. Meanwhile, her podcast, which highlights global issues, remains on pause. Her last episode, published before her arrest, discussed the case of Zeynab Mousavi, an Iranian stand-up comedian who faced detention under similar circumstances.
Efforts to secure Ms. Sala’s freedom continue, but her release timeline remains uncertain.
