Iran has come under fresh criticism after confirming the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained on December 19 on allegations of “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic.” The incident has raised international concerns about the ongoing crackdown on journalists and freedom of expression in the country.
The Iranian news agency reported that Sala’s case is “under investigation” and stated that Italian Ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, visited the journalist in prison to assess her detention conditions. Reports also confirmed that Sala was allowed two phone calls with her family.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed his country’s concern over Sala’s arrest, noting that Iranian authorities have yet to disclose the exact charges against her. He added that the Italian government is working to allow a lawyer to visit Sala and review her case.
Cecilia Sala, a correspondent for the Italian newspaper Il Foglio, was in Iran on a valid visa to report on the situation in the country, which led to her detention by Iranian authorities. Il Foglio confirmed that Sala is being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, known for detaining activists, journalists, and political opponents.
This arrest comes amidst escalating repression against journalists in Iran, which has faced continuous international criticism for its crackdown on press freedom and targeting of media workers. Human rights organizations have warned that Sala’s arrest reflects Tehran’s hardline approach to silencing independent voices and preventing scrutiny of internal issues.
The incident reignites the debate over the severe restrictions imposed on journalists in Iran and highlights the systematic suppression of freedom of expression, once again placing Tehran under the microscope of the international community.
