This is a real relief for Cécilia Sala’s family and the Italian government, after weeks of diplomatic tension.
A detention denounced by Italy
The release of Cecilia Sala ends a three-week detention which had sparked strong protests from the Italian government. A war reporter and specialist in the region, the journalist was arrested in Tehran for allegedly “breaking the laws” of the Islamic Republic, while she was reporting for the Chora Media studio.
Italy had described his arrest as “unacceptable”, suspecting political motivations behind his detention. A few days before his arrest, a Swiss-Iranian businessman, Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, was arrested in Italy, fueling speculation about a possible retaliatory measure on the part of Tehran.
Incarceration in trying conditions
During her imprisonment in Evin prison in Tehran, Cecilia Sala was kept in solitary confinement, forced to sleep on the floor and deprived of her glasses, according to Italian media sources. Evin Prison is infamous for housing political dissidents and journalists critical of the Iranian regime.
The journalist was working on a podcast dedicated to stand-up comedian Zeinab Musavi, sentenced to two years in prison for satirical videos. In the days before her arrest, Cecilia Sala had also posted photos on her social media of women defying Iran’s hijab laws, a bold move in a country where such actions are harshly repressed.
Repatriation in progress and a relieved Italy
News of his release was announced this Wednesday morning by the Italian government. “Our compatriot has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy,” government services said. A plane carrying Cecilia Sala left Iran late in the morning, according to the statement.
This release sparked a wave of relief in Italy. Matteo Renzi, former head of government, welcomed this happy outcome: “The return of Cecilia Sala to the country is the best news. Today, the whole country is celebrating, without distinctions or controversies.”
Also read: Jean-Noël Barrot reacts to Donald Trump’s controversial comments
