Iran detains Italian journalist, raising fears of another 'hostage diplomacy' case

An Italian journalist's detention in Iran's notorious Evin Prison has sparked fresh concerns about Tehran's practice of arresting foreign nationals, often used as bargaining chips in diplomatic negotiations.

Cecilia Sala, 29, a reporter for the right-wing Italian newspaper Il Foglio and podcast producer for Chora Media, was arrested on December 19, just one day before her scheduled departure from Tehran. She had been in the country on a valid journalist visa since December 12, conducting interviews and producing podcast episodes.

The timing of her arrest has raised questions about its connection to Italy's recent detention of two Iranian citizens, one of whom was arrested at the request of the United States. Iranian officials summoned both Italian and Swiss diplomats - the latter representing U.S. interests in Iran - last week to discuss these arrests.

"Her voice has been silenced," Chora Media said in a statement, calling for her immediate release. The Italian Foreign Ministry says it is following the case "with maximum attention."

The Italian ambassador was permitted to visit Sala on Friday, finding her in "adequate" conditions in a single-occupancy cell at Evin Prison, a facility known for housing political prisoners and foreign detainees. While physically healthy, family members who have spoken with her twice by phone report she is "very tired."

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office confirmed they are actively working on the case but urged media outlets to exercise caution in their coverage to avoid compromising ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the detention "unacceptable," while Reporters Without Borders characterized it as bearing hallmarks of arbitrary arrest. Iran ranks 176th out of 180 countries in the organization's press freedom index.

"Journalism is not a crime," wrote Il Foglio's editor in a weekend editorial, describing Sala as someone who traveled to Iran "to tell the story of a country she knows and loves, where information is silenced through repression, threats, violence, and arrests."

Ynet contributed to this article.