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Italy urges Iran to release italian journalist Cecilia Sala: government summit

The Italian government is stepping up its demands for the release of journalist Cecilia Sala, who was arrested in Tehran on 19 December, with a summit planned today at Palazzo Chigi. The conditions of her detention are very worrying

Italy is strongly pressing Iran for the release of Cecilia Sala, the journalist arrested in Tehran on 19 December. At 4pm today, a summit will be held at Palazzo Chigi, with the participation of the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, Justice, Carlo Nordio, and the Undersecretary to the Presidency, Alfredo Mantovano, together with the heads of Italian intelligence.

Meanwhile, Minister Tajani summoned the Iranian ambassador to Rome to ask for clarification on Sala’s detention conditions. ‘The government is working tirelessly to bring her home and will demand that all her rights be respected,’ said Tajani, reiterating Italy’s commitment to the reporter’s release.

According to Corriere della Sera, Cecilia Sala’s detention conditions are critical. The journalist, locked up in Evin prison, has no mattress and sleeps on the floor. She has not received any packages or basic necessities. Moreover, she has not seen anyone since 27 December, when she met the ambassador Paola Amedei.

Sala, accused of violating Iranian laws, had entered the country on a journalistic visa on 14 December. Her detention is now in its tenth day in solitary confinement. The Italian government’s official requests are clear: ‘immediate release’ and ‘total guarantees on her detention conditions’. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, expressed concern about the case during his end-of-year speech.

The Partito Democratico, through a joint note by Elly Schlein and Peppe Provenzano, stressed the importance of united action, pointing out that the treatment suffered by Cecilia Sala is ‘unacceptable’ and a ‘violation of Italy’s dignity’.

Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva, also expressed his concern, calling for an immediate initiative to address Cecilia Sala’s serious situation. The call for solidarity is unanimous, with Italy uniting in a united front for the respect of the journalist’s fundamental rights.

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