Janice R. Andrews
Iranian authorities have acknowledged holding Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old Italian journalist and news podcast host, in Tehran’s Evin prison since December 19. Officials claim she violated Iranian laws, keeping her in solitary confinement.
The timing overlaps with rising diplomatic tensions surrounding Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian national held in Milan. U.S. authorities seek Abedini’s extradition, alleging he supplied drone parts to the IRGC that resulted in American military casualties. While officials from both countries deny any connection between the cases, Iran recently called in an Italian diplomat to discuss Abedini’s situation.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Sala’s detention as “unacceptable.” Her employer, Chora Media, revealed the arrest after maintaining silence at the request of her family and Italian authorities. Sala has received consular visits and remains in contact with her family by phone.
Italian officials, including Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, are pursuing quiet diplomatic channels to secure her release. Prior to her arrest, Sala’s final podcast episode featured Iranian comedian Zeynab Mousavi, who is also currently in detention.
