WANA (Jan 08) – Italian officials have announced the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the news via posts on the social media platform X.

 

Prime Minister Meloni attributed Sala’s release to intensive efforts through “diplomatic and intelligence channels.” She expressed gratitude to those involved in making the release possible. In a message on X, Meloni wrote:

 

“The plane taking Cecilia Sala home from Tehran is in flight. Thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels, our compatriot has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy. I personally informed the journalist’s parents during a phone call. I want to thank all those who contributed to making Cecilia’s return possible, allowing her to embrace her family and colleagues again.”

 

Foreign Minister Tajani also celebrated the news, emphasizing the role of diplomacy and collective effort. He wrote: “Diplomacy and teamwork: Cecilia Sala is on her way home!”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s social media platform X posts on January 08, 2024. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance had previously confirmed Sala’s detention in a statement. According to the ministry, Sala entered Iran on December 13, 2024, with a journalist visa but was arrested on December 19, 2024, for allegedly violating Iranian laws. The statement read:

 

“Ms. Cecilia Sala, an Italian citizen, traveled to Iran with a journalist visa on December 13, 2024, and was detained on December 19, 2024, for violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Her detention was conducted following relevant regulations.”

 

The ministry reiterated its commitment to welcoming international journalists for lawful activities and protecting their legal rights. It added that the current administration continues to prioritize increasing the presence of foreign media in the country.