Alessia Piperno, an Italian writer and travel blogger who spent 45 days imprisoned at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, has sent a powerful message of support to fellow journalist Cecilia Sala, who is currently detained there.
Piperno, who was released after her own arrest on her 30th birthday, has urged Sala to hold on and stay strong. "A Cecilia Sala idealmente dico di tenere duro come ho fatto io per 45 giorni: nel carcere di Evin a noi stranieri fisicamente non torcono un capello, ma mentalmente ti provano molto," Piperno told ANSA. She empathizes with Sala's situation, recalling the psychological strain of her own detention, stating, "So cosa vuol dire il terrore di stare in una cella da soli. Abbraccio i suoi genitori, immagino il loro dolore che è come quello che hanno provato i miei.”
Piperno's harrowing experience at Evin Prison has made her feel deeply connected to Sala, whom she views as "like a younger sister". Her time behind bars left a lasting impression on her. "Vedere coi propri occhi, vedere le condizioni di quella prigione, sono immagini che non rimuoverò mai dalla mia mente," she added, emphasizing the depth of her trauma.
Both women share the experience of being detained under oppressive circumstances tied to their roles as journalists. Piperno was arrested during protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, whereas Sala was in Iran under a short-term journalistic visa at the time of her arrest on December 19. According to Piperno, the Iranian authorities had likely set a trap by issuing Sala the visa, knowing she intended to report on the regime's crackdown on dissent. “Il mio caso e quello di Cecilia Sala sono diversi. Io ero in Iran perché stavo viaggiando,” she noted.
Piperno's time at Evin was marked by psychological torture rather than physical harm. She recalls, “A noi stranieri fisicamente non ci torcono un capello, ma mentalmente ci provano molto.” This chilling admission highlights the mental strain placed on detainees and the inherent dangers posed to journalists operating within Iran’s restrictive environment.
The conditions within Evin Prison are notoriously harsh, especially for political prisoners. Piperno described the isolation and fear she faced, recalling moments when she was led blindfolded to interrogations. She expressed concern for Cecilia, who is reported to be held under similar isolation. "I know what the terror of being alone in a cell means, and I hope she can find strength during these harrowing times. The psychological pressure can be overwhelming."
Today's climate for women and journalists remains perilous in Iran. Sala's arrest and the subsequent global attention highlight the risks faced by those who dare to speak out against the government. Piperno commented on the deteriorated situation for women since her release, stating, "La condizione femminile in Iran se possibile è peggiorata ancora", citing the repression of protests and difficulties faced by those aiming to document the reality of life under the regime.
Even as the protests sparked by Amini’s death have been met with violent crackdowns, journalists like Sala continue to risk it all to tell the truth. Piperno urges the international community to step up efforts to secure Sala’s release, emphasizing the need for solidarity among those advocating for freedom of speech.
Reflecting on her own experience, Piperno expressed her deep sense of guilt for having been released when so many of her fellow inmates remain imprisoned. She implores others to not forget those still behind bars and reiterates the importance of supporting journalists like Cecilia. "Non riesco a pensare ad altro. Vorrei poter parlare con la sua famiglia e abbracciarli. Vorrei dire a sua madre che non penso che le faranno del male e che hanno tutto il mio affetto," she remarked, demonstrating both her kind-heartedness and her commitment to raising awareness around these injustices.
The world has not forgotten about Sala and continues to demand her immediate release. With the voice of Alessia Piperno shedding light on such dire circumstances, there is hope for the international community to rally together for the cause of oppressed journalists everywhere.
