Iran releases jailed Italian journalist Cecilia Sala

Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who was locked up in Iran last month, has been freed and is on a plane that departed from Tehran on Wednesday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni personally informed the journalist’s parents during a phone call that took place a few minutes ago, according to a statement by her office.

“Thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels, our compatriot was released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy,” according to the statement.

Her detention came only a few days after the arrest in Italy of Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian national accused of supplying drone components to Iran.

Iranian authorities claimed that Sala’s arrest was not linked. “These two matters are entirely unrelated,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said during a press briefing Monday.

Sala’s release represents a major political victory for Meloni, who met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Sunday to discuss, among other things, Sala’s case.

Members of the right-wing Italian government immediately celebrated news of the journalist’s release and congratulated Meloni for her “immense work.”

“Cecilia Sala is coming back. Immense work by Giorgia Meloni first and foremost and by the entire Italian team: Tajani, Mantovano, Palazzo Chigi, the Farnesina, our security services and anyone who could be of help. Welcome home,” said Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

“Diplomacy and teamwork: Cecilia Sala is coming home,” said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Elly Schlein, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, also said: “The release of Cecilia Sala is a relief, and knowing she will soon be in Italy fills us with joy. Thanks to the government, the diplomatic corps, the services and those who have worked tirelessly during these 20 days of apprehension and anguish for this achievement. We look forward to seeing you, Cecilia!”