Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was arrested on December 19, 2023, by Iranian police authorities as she was conducting her reporting activities in Tehran. Sala, who had been traveling with the proper journalistic visa, was detained just one day before her scheduled return to Rome.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the news and has been coordinating with Iranian authorities to clarify her legal situation and assess her detention conditions. According to Minister Antonio Tajani, both the Italian embassy and consulate have monitored the case closely since the onset of her arrest.
"The Italian ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, visited Cecilia Sala to verify her well-being and detention conditions," the ministry stated. "Her family has been informed of the findings from the consular visit." Reports indicate Sala was allowed to make two phone calls to her family, assuring them she was unharmed.
Chora Media, the company for which Sala produces the podcast "Stories," revealed earlier this week, "Cecilia has been held for nearly ten days now. She was transferred to the Evin prison, which is notorious for housing political dissidents. The reason for her arrest remains unclear, with no formal charges being announced yet." This statement was released after the family and Italian officials requested silence on the matter to expedite her release.
Before her arrest, Sala had arrived in Iran on December 12, engaging in interviews for her podcast and gathering material about life under the regime. She had been documenting stories about various aspects of Iranian society, including interviews focused on political and cultural issues. Tragically, after exchanging messages with colleagues and loved ones on the morning of December 19, her phone went silent.
Worried for Sala's safety, her colleagues, including Daniele Raineri, her partner and journalist for \'Il Post\', escalated their concerns to the Italian Crisis Unit. It was on the same day Sala was meant to return to Italy, but she failed to board her flight, increasing anxieties among those who knew her.
Hours later, just after her phone reactivated, Sala managed to contact her mother, informing her of the arrest. During this brief call, she had only time to say she was okay, but was unable to disclose additional information about her situation. After the initial communication, there was also significant concern about her wellbeing, as she was being held without external contact for nearly 24 hours.
Global attention has been drawn to her situation, with various politicians and advocates calling for her swift release. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated, "From day one, the government, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister Tajani, has been active to secure her release. Every available resource is being utilized, as these negotiations require high-level political and diplomatic efforts rather than public outrage."
The urgency of the matter has prompted responses from various political figures, including Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, who expressed her unease and demanded clarity on the reasons for Sala's detention. Activists, including those from Amnesty International, have also condemned her arrest, emphasizing the right to free expression and the safety of journalists worldwide.
Adding to the calls for action, Mario Calabresi, head of Chora Media, stated, "Cecilia Sala’s arrest is unacceptable, and we stand firm on our demand for her release. The international community must not tolerate arbitrary detentions of journalists. Cecilia deserves to return home to continue documenting the truth with integrity and passion."
Advocates for Sala's release have acknowledged the dark reality of Evin prison, noting its history of holding intellectuals, political dissidents, and others who oppose the regime. Alessia Piperno, who spent time imprisoned there, recalled her own experience, advising Sala to stay strong, as the mental and emotional toll of such confinement can be extreme.
Despite the fears surrounding her detainment, there remains hope for Sala's eventual release. The Italian government continues to engage diplomatically with Iran, and the matter is being handled with utmost urgency. The global media and public continue to rally for Sala’s freedom, as her story reflects the broader struggle for journalists operating under oppressive regimes.
