Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran for three weeks, has been released and is on her way back to Italy, as confirmed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office on January 8, 2025. The flight carrying Sala took off from Tehran following intense diplomatic negotiations involving intelligence channels, reflecting the Italian government's commitment to securing her freedom.

Sala, 29, was arrested on December 19, shortly after she arrived in Iran on a journalist visa. She was accused of violating laws of the Islamic Republic, although specific charges were never detailed by Iranian authorities. Notably, her detention occurred shortly after the arrest of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini in Italy, who is wanted by the United States for alleged involvement in military operations against three U.S. service members in Jordan.

The circumstances of Sala's detention sparked speculation in Italy regarding her being used as a bargaining chip in the wider context of U.S.-Iran tensions. Iranian officials have denied any link between her case and that of the detained Abedini, asserting that Sala's arrest was solely related to her journalistic activities. (Associated Press)

Her release was celebrated back home, with lawmakers commending the government’s diplomatic efforts and Meloni personally informing Sala's parents of her return. Meloni stated her gratitude toward everyone involved in securing Sala's release, which had been anticipated after her troubling reports from the notoriously harsh Evin prison where she was held in solitary confinement.

On her release, Meloni mentioned the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties while addressing the growing tensions between Italy and Iran. The incident has once again drawn attention to Iran's record of detaining Western journalists as a means of exerting political influence, echoing patterns observed in previous cases involving other foreign nationals. (Voice of America)

The reactions highlighted widespread relief in Italy, where Sala's ordeal had captured public and media attention. Her boyfriend reported that upon hearing from her, she felt emotional and joyful about returning to her loved ones

(BBC)