Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Detained in Iran Without Explanation

Cecilia Sala, 29, has been held in Tehran's Evin Prison since December 19, prompting calls for her immediate release from Italy and her employers.

Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist for Il Foglio and Chora Media, was arrested by Iranian authorities on December 19 while reporting in Tehran with a valid journalist visa.
She is being held in solitary confinement at Evin Prison, a facility notorious for its treatment of political prisoners, though no charges or reasons for her detention have been disclosed.
Italy's foreign ministry is actively engaging with Iranian officials to clarify Sala's legal situation and ensure her well-being, with the Italian ambassador visiting her and confirming she is in good health.
Her detention has been condemned as arbitrary by Italian officials, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and media outlets, which have emphasized that 'journalism is not a crime.'
Reports suggest her arrest may be linked to broader political tensions between Italy and Iran, including Italy's recent detention of an Iranian national accused of supplying drone components to Iran.