Cecilia Sala released: she is on a plane to Italy. The director of the Aise in Tehran to pick her up

The journalist Cecilia Sala she was freed. She had been detained in Iran, in Evin prison, since 19 December. “The plane taking the journalist home took off from Tehran – Palazzo Chigi reports – Thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels, our compatriot has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy”, explains the announced. Sala will land at 3.30pm at Ciampino airport.

The director of Aise, the External Information and Security Agency, Giovanni Caravelli, reportedly personally went to Tehran to pick her up. And now she is traveling on the plane that is taking her back to Italy.

Diplomatic work

In the last few hours there has been asudden acceleration thanks to diplomatic work carried out by Italy, also with the collaboration of the United States. Yesterday Cecilia had called home, informing that her conditions of detention had improved: she had received a bed and the two packages delivered by the embassy had arrived. Then during the night the release and expulsion. The Prime Minister gave the news to Cecilia's parents, Giorgia Meloniwho had been handling the dossier a week ago.

The Prime Minister expressed “gratitude to all those who contributed to making Cecilia's return possible, allowing her to hug her family and colleagues again”.

Her father: “Proud of her”

“I'm proud of her”, was the first comment from Renato Salafather of the Foglio journalist and Chora media. “I have only cried three times in my life. I believe the government of our country has done an exceptional job. If you hear my broken voice, I couldn't see the horizon. It was an extraordinary coordination job. I trusted in Cecilia's strength.”

And again: “I will tell you that I am proud of you and of the ability and composure you had in this matter. During his days of imprisonment I heard it three times. During this period I had the impression of a chess game, but there were not just two players. At a certain point the board became crowded and this created strong fears in a parent like me, who unfortunately ignores the moves.”

Her partner: “She's very happy”

“”I heard her, she told me “see you soon” – said Daniele Raineri, Cecilia Sala's partner – She was excited and very happy. I replied: “See you in Rome””.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also commented on X: “Diplomacy and teamwork: Cecilia Sala is coming home!”.
“Fortunately, Antonio Tajani and I – added Renato Sala – lived for twelve years a stone's throw from each other and our acquaintance transformed into a friendship. The comfort of information, although protected but direct and immediate, undoubtedly helped a lot.”