Iran confirmed on December 30th the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, who has been held in Tehran’s Evin Prison since December 19.
Sala’s arrest came six days after she entered the country with a valid journalist visa.
The General Department of Foreign Media of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Orientation stated that she was being held for “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Iranian state news agency IRNA echoed this claim, noting that her case was under investigation. They also say that she has been granted consular access and telephone contact with her family.
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Italy and Iran Diplomacy
The timing of Sala’s arrest has raised suspicions that it may be linked to international tensions. Just three days prior to her arrest, a Swiss-Iranian businessman was arrested in Milan at the request of U.S. authorities for alleged arms trafficking.
The arrest of the businessman prompted diplomatic friction between Rome, Tehran, and Washington, and observers believe Sala’s detention could be a retaliatory move.
Italian Government Response
The Italian government has actively worked to secure Sala’s release. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the arrest as “unacceptable” and assured the public that Italy was “pursuing every option” to free her. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Sala is being detained in a single cell, is receiving food, and has been visited by Italy’s ambassador to Iran. While Sala is reportedly “very tired,” she is said to be in “physically fine” condition.
