Italy Says Cecilia Sala, Journalist Detained by Iran, Has Been Released

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Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released by Iranian authorities after being detained for over two weeks, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.

Sala, who works as a freelance journalist and translator, was arrested in Tehran on October 14 while she was in the country to visit her Iranian partner. Her detention sparked concern and outrage among her family, colleagues, and human rights organizations.

The Italian foreign ministry confirmed Sala’s release on Thursday, stating that she was in good health and had been reunited with her family. The ministry did not provide any further details about Sala’s detention or the circumstances surrounding her release.

Sala’s detention had raised concerns about press freedom in Iran, which has a history of cracking down on journalists and activists. The Italian government had been working to secure Sala’s release, with Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio saying that Italy was “following the situation closely and working to ensure the release of our compatriot.”

Sala’s release was welcomed by her family and colleagues, who had been campaigning for her freedom. Her sister, Valentina Sala, thanked everyone who had supported Sala during her detention, saying that it had been a “very difficult time” for the family.

Sala’s release is a positive development, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Iran. Press freedom in the country is heavily restricted, with journalists facing harassment, arrest, and censorship for their work.

While Sala is now safe and back with her family, there are many others in Iran who continue to face persecution for their work. It is essential for the international community to continue to speak out against human rights abuses in Iran and advocate for the release of all those unjustly detained.

For now, Sala’s release is a cause for celebration, and a reminder of the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists around the world.

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