Journalist Cecilia Sala is returning to Italy. She has been detained in Iran since 19 December 2024.
“The plane bringing Cecilia Sala home took off a few minutes ago from Tehran,” announced Palazzo Chigi earlier. “Thanks to intense work through diplomatic and intelligence channels, our compatriot has been released by Iranian authorities and is on her way home.”
Mario Calabresi, director of Chora Media, expressed deep gratitude and joy over Sala’s release. “We are very happy. We knew the government was working hard, but we didn’t expect Cecilia to return so quickly. When the news arrived at Chora, there was great emotion, and everyone applauded,” Calabresi told ANSA.
He also thanked Italian officials for their efforts: “I want to thank Giorgia Meloni, Alfredo Mantovano, Antonio Tajani, the Italian ambassador to Tehran, and the entire Italian state apparatus for their exceptional work.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani hailed the achievement, stating on X: “Diplomacy and teamwork: Cecilia Sala is coming home!”
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto echoed this sentiment: “Immense work by Giorgia Meloni, Tajani, Mantovano, Palazzo Chigi, Farnesina, our security services, and anyone who could help. Welcome home, Cecilia.”
Attorney General Francesca Nanni of Milan expressed “great satisfaction” at Sala’s release but confirmed there is “no news” yet regarding the case of Alireza Abedini, detained in Italy on a US warrant.
Italian political leaders, including Giuseppe Conte and Angelo Bonelli, praised the diplomatic efforts. Conte stated, “Good news after days of tension. Applause to our government, diplomacy, and intelligence services for this result.”
Cecilia Sala’s Family Reacts
Renato Sala, Cecilia’s father, expressed relief and pride: “I am proud of her composure and strength during this ordeal. I trusted her resilience and the government’s efforts. It was an extraordinary coordination effort.”
Sala’s partner, Daniele Raineri, told ANSA: “I heard from her. She’s excited and happy. I told her, we’ll see each other in Rome.”
