Italian journalist Cecilia Sala still detained in Iran: time of release uncertain

The journalist has been in solitary confinement for over 10 days in Evin prison. Entered on a journalistic visa, Cecilia Sala was accused of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The US denounces an unjustified arrest, linking it to diplomatic tensions between Italy and Iran

Cecilia Sala, the Italian journalist arrested in Iran on 20 December, is officially charged with violating ‘the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran’. The news is confirmed by the general department of international media relations of the Ministry of Culture in Tehran, as reported by the official Iranian news agency Irna. Sala has been in solitary confinement in Evin prison for more than ten days, having entered the country on a journalistic visa on 14 December.

The Iranian ministry’s statement specifies that ‘her case is now at the investigation stage’ and that the arrest took place ‘in compliance with the regulations in force’. The Italian Embassy in Tehran was immediately informed and, according to the Iranian authorities, Cecilia Sala was granted consular access. In addition, she was put in telephone contact with her family during her detention.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained during the Zona Bianca programme that the timing of the release is uncertain due to the delicate nature of the negotiations, stressing that Italy is doing everything possible to obtain the reporter’s return.

Sala, who is currently held in solitary confinement in the notorious Evin prison, was comforted by the Italian ambassador, and her health condition was described as good, despite concerns about her situation. The Italian government is in constant contact with Sala’s family, guaranteeing the utmost confidentiality on the matter.

Meanwhile, the US intervened in support of the request for his immediate release. The US State Department called the arrest ‘unjustified’ and recalled that Iran continues to detain foreign nationals for political purposes. A spokesman for the department linked Sala’s arrest with that of an Iranian citizen in Italy on 16 December, accused of smuggling drone components.

The US has reiterated its condemnation of Iran’s destabilising activities, including those related to supporting terrorist groups and the use of advanced drones, threatening further diplomatic action if the situation is not resolved. The affair thus remains intertwined with a context of geopolitical tension that makes the timing of the journalist’s release even more uncertain.

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