Iran has confirmed the detention of 29-year-old Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in its Evin prison on charges of violating Islamic laws, a move that comes amid heightened tensions between Italy and Iran over US-Iran relations. Sala was arrested on December 19 while preparing to leave for home from a reporting trip.
Her detention is linked to a recent arrest of an Iranian citizen, Mohammad Abedini, who was detained in Milan on charges related to supplying electronic parts for drones to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), resulting in the deaths of three US soldiers. The US is seeking his extradition from Italy.
The Italian government has denounced Sala’s arrest as “unacceptable,” with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stating that efforts to secure her release are complicated and delicate. Despite this, negotiations for her release continue, with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto emphasizing the need for high-level diplomatic action. Sala has been granted consular access and is in contact with her family by phone.
Sala’s detention has raised concerns among journalists and human rights groups, who have criticized Iran’s treatment of foreign detainees. The Iranian Culture Ministry has revealed that Sala received a “care package” in prison, including food and personal items, to ease her living conditions.
The incident highlights the increasingly complex relationships between Italy, Iran, and the US, with Sala’s detention serving as a potential point of contention in diplomatic efforts to resolve US-Iran tensions.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3278qyql1o