The Office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Wednesday the release of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who had been imprisoned in Iran.

The government emphasized that Sala’s release was achieved through “extensive efforts” involving diplomatic and intelligence channels. Prime Minister Meloni expressed gratitude to all those involved in securing her freedom and personally informed Sala’s family of the positive outcome. This development comes after a tense period marked by her detention in Iran, where she had been held for nearly three weeks under unclear circumstances.

Sala, a 29-year-old Italian journalist, was arrested in Iran on December 19, 2024, shortly after arriving in the country on a journalist’s visa. The Iranian government confirmed that Sala was detained for “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic,” although specific details regarding the nature of these violations were not disclosed. The Iranian Culture Ministry oversees foreign journalists and has stringent regulations governing their activities within the country.

Sala’s detention occurred amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the West, particularly following the arrest of Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini in Italy on December 16. Abedini is accused of supplying drone components allegedly used in attacks that resulted in the deaths of three US service members, leading to speculation that Sala’s arrest could be linked to this incident as a form of political leverage by Iranian authorities.

In the wake of her arrest, Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the detention as “unacceptable” and emphasized that diplomatic sensitivities complicated efforts to secure her release. The Italian government summoned Iran’s ambassador to demand immediate release and ensure humane treatment during her detention. Despite these efforts, Sala’s situation remained precarious, indicating that her fate was intertwined with broader geopolitical negotiations involving Iran and the US.

Sala, who works for Il Foglio, an Italian daily newspaper, and produces a news podcast with Chora Media, has been reporting on social issues in Iran, including women’s rights and political dissent. Her arrest highlighted ongoing challenges faced by journalists operating in restrictive environments like Iran, where press freedoms are frequently curtailed. The international community, including human rights organizations, has consistently criticized Iran for its treatment of journalists and activists, underscoring the need for vigilance in protecting press freedoms globally.

In recent years, Iran has targeted Western nationals and dual citizens, often using their detention to negotiate favorable outcomes in international relations. This approach is seen as a response to economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation faced by the Islamic Republic.