Rome, Italy – Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, took a decisive diplomatic step on Thursday by summoning Mohammad Reza Sabouri, the Iranian ambassador to Italy, to address the contentious arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala. Sala, aged 29, was detained in Tehran on December 19, 2024, while in the country on a valid journalist visa, accused by Iranian authorities of “violating” the laws of the Islamic Republic.
The meeting was prompted by growing concerns over Sala’s wellbeing and legal situation in Iran’s Evin prison, known for holding political prisoners and critics of the regime. According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, Sala is kept in solitary confinement under harsh conditions, with reports suggesting she has been sleeping on the floor in a cell where the lights remain permanently on.
During the diplomatic discussions, Italy reiterated its demand for Sala’s immediate release, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and respect for her human rights. Foreign Minister Tajani has described the arrest as “unacceptable” and has been vocal about Italy’s commitment to securing Sala’s return, stating, “We will not leave Cecilia and her parents’ side until her release.”
The Iranian side, however, has maintained that Sala has been given the necessary support and consular access. Iranian officials have linked Sala’s case to that of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian businessman detained in Italy at the request of the United States for alleged involvement in supplying drone components that led to the deaths of American service members. Iran expects reciprocal treatment for Abedini, suggesting a tit-for-tat scenario in the diplomatic standoff.
The situation has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and press freedom advocates condemning the arrest as an attempt to use Sala as political leverage. The case has also sparked a broader discussion on the safety of journalists reporting from or in countries with restrictive press freedom.
