Cecilia Sala Released from Iranian Detention

Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist detained in Iran for three weeks, has been released and is returning home after intensive diplomatic negotiations led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Sala was arrested on December 19 while reporting in Tehran on a journalist visa and was accused of violating Iranian laws. Her detention was speculated to be linked to the arrest of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini in Italy, who is wanted by the U.S. for allegedly supplying drone parts used in a deadly attack. While Iran denied any connection between the two cases, Sala's release has been perceived as a diplomatic victory for Italy. Meloni expressed gratitude to those who contributed to securing Sala's freedom and personally informed her family of the news. Sala was reportedly held in solitary confinement at Evin prison during her detention.