Italy meets with Iran ambassador to demand release of Italian journalist

 

FILE – Italian journalist Cecilia Sala speaks at an event called "Chora Volume 1" in Milan, Italy, Feb. 16, 2024. (Chora Media/via Reuters)

WASHINGTON —

Italy\’s foreign minister on Thursday summoned the Iranian ambassador in Rome to demand the release of journalist Cecilia Sala.

Sala is being held in Iran\’s Evin prison following her arrest in the capital, Tehran, on Dec. 19. The journalist was on assignment in Iran and had a valid journalist visa.

Iran accuses Sala of "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic." But others believe her arrest is a retaliatory move after Italy detained a Swiss-Iranian businessman at the request of the U.S.

A statement by Italy\’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Riccardo Guariglia discussed Sala\’s case with Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sabouri and requested the journalist\’s "immediate release."

"The government, as it has from the first day of Cecilia Sala\’s arrest, is working tirelessly to bring her home, and we demand that all her rights be respected," the statement read. "We will not leave Cecilia and her parents\’ side until her release."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called a meeting on Thursday with her foreign and justice ministers and the heads of Italy\’s intelligence services to discuss Sala\’s case.

Sala is an experienced journalist who has reported on Iran, Afghanistan and Russia\’s war in Ukraine. She contributes to the newspaper Il Foglio and hosts the "Stories" podcast on Chora Media.

Chora Media released a statement late last week after details of Sala\’s arrest were made public. It confirmed that the journalist was detained one day before she was due to return to Rome.

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By：VOA