Iran has confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for alleged violations of the Islamic Republic’s laws, state media reported on Monday. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Italy, labeling the detention “unacceptable.”
According to Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Sala arrived in Iran on December 13 with a journalist visa. She was detained six days later on charges of legal infractions, as stated by the IRNA news agency. The ministry emphasized that her arrest followed standard procedures, and she was provided consular access and allowed to contact her family by phone.
Italy’s foreign ministry disclosed on Friday that Sala, a reporter for Il Foglio, is being held at Tehran’s Evin Prison. Italian authorities are actively working with Iranian officials to understand her legal status and ensure her well-being. Il Foglio described Sala as a dedicated journalist in Iran to report on a country she “knows and loves.”
This incident has reignited concerns over Iran’s use of foreign detainees as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. Previous cases include American journalists Roxana Saberi and Jason Rezaian, both detained under espionage accusations before being released in prisoner swaps.
Sala’s detention adds to the growing list of international journalists and citizens caught in Iran’s complex geopolitical strategies, drawing increased scrutiny from the global community.