Italian journalist freed after detention in Iran

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released from Iranian detention and is returning home, according to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office.

Sala, 29, who entered Iran on a journalist’s visa on December 13, was arrested on December 19 for allegedly “violating the law of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” according to the country’s culture ministry. Her detention came shortly after Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Milan on a US warrant regarding drone parts allegations.

The Prime Minister’s office announced that Sala’s release was secured through “intense diplomatic and intelligence channels.” Iran has denied any connection between Sala’s arrest and Abedini’s case.

The incident had prompted diplomatic tensions, with Italy and Iran summoning each other’s ambassadors last week.

Rights groups note that Iran has detained numerous foreigners and dual nationals in recent years, though Iranian authorities deny using detentions for political leverage.