Iran. Italian journalist released – TVN24

Authorities Iran about the arrest of a reporter of the Italian daily “Il Foglio” reported in December last year. They then stated that she had been detained for “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic.” It was not explained what exactly she was accused of. At the time of her arrest, the woman had a valid journalist visa.

The 29-year-old was held in the notorious Ewin prison in Tehran, where political opponents of the Iranian authorities and citizens of other countries are detained. In a recent telephone conversation with her parents, the journalist said that she was being treated badly. According to her account, quoted by the Italian press, she slept on the ground and even her glasses, which she needs every day, were taken away.

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In a statement, the Italian government emphasized that Sala's release was possible thanks to “intense diplomatic and intelligence work.”

Prime minister Italian Giorgia Meloni wrote on the X platform on Wednesday that she “wants to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to making Cecilia's return possible.” She added that she personally informed the journalist's parents about her release.

Sala's situation turned out to be even more difficult because her case was linked to an Iranian arrested three days earlier in Italy at the request of the authorities. USA. The US side claims that he violated sanctions and provided components for combat drones to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran demanded the man's release.

According to Reuters, Iranian security forces have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals in recent years, mostly on espionage and security-related charges. Defenders human rights accuse Iran of trying to force concessions from other countries through such arrests, a claim that Iran has consistently denied.