Italy summons Iran ambassador over jailed reporter

Italy summoned the Iranian ambassador Thursday over the detention of journalist Cecilia Sala, who has been held in isolation in Tehran since her December 19 arrest.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Sala’s treatment as "unacceptable" and vowed continued efforts to secure her release. "We will not leave Cecilia and her parents' side until her release," Tajani posted on X.

Sala, 29, traveled to Iran on a journalist visa on December 13. Iran’s culture ministry accused her of "violating the law of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Held in Tehran’s Evin prison, Sala reportedly sleeps on the floor under constant light, Italian media reported, citing a phone call she made to her family.

Rome’s ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, has visited Sala, but a care package she brought — including an eye mask and sanitary products — has not reached the journalist, according to reports.

Geopolitical complications

Sala’s detention follows the arrest of two Iranian nationals by U.S. and Italian authorities over export violations linked to an attack on American servicemen.

Sala, a seasoned journalist who previously covered the Ukraine war, last posted on X on December 17, linking to her podcast discussing patriarchy in Tehran.

Tajani stressed Italy's unwavering commitment to Sala's rights and safety.