Italian journalist freed after Iran detention

Italian journalist freed after Iran detention
Italian journalist freed after Iran detention

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, has returned home after being freed from three weeks of detention in Iran. She received a warm welcome at Rome's Ciampino airport from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and her family, including an emotional reunion with her boyfriend, Daniele Raineri.

Sala, a reporter for Il Foglio daily and podcaster, was arrested in Tehran on December 19 while working with a valid journalist visa. Iranian authorities accused her of "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic." Her detention came just three days after Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Milan on a US warrant, allegedly for supplying drone parts used in a 2024 attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan.

While analysts suggested Sala's detention might have been used as leverage for Abedini's release, Iranian officials denied these claims. Abedini remains in a Milan prison awaiting a court decision on his request for house arrest and potential U.S. extradition.

The journalist's release represents a significant diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Meloni, whose office credited "intensive work on diplomatic and intelligence channels" for securing Sala's freedom. Meloni's recent visit to President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago reportedly enhanced Italy's diplomatic position during negotiations.

Sala, who spent most of her detention in solitary confinement, was praised by Meloni for her strength during their brief meeting at the airport. The successful resolution of this diplomatic incident maintains Italy's diplomatic efforts in a complex international situation, particularly given the tensions between Iran and Western nations.