Cecilia Sala’s return to Italy was an emotional affair. She was greeted by her partner, parents and the PM and Foreign Minister.
“I have the most beautiful photograph of my life, my heart full of gratitude, and in my mind, those whx.como, looking up, still cannot see the sky. I never thought, in these 21 days, that I would be home today. Thank you.”
These were the words of journalist Cecilia Sala in her first post on X following her release from Tehran’s infamous Evin prison. Accompanying the post was a photograph capturing the moment she stepped off the plane and embraced her partner, journalist Daniele Raineri.
Sala was met at Ciampino airport by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Her arrest in Iran, reportedly for a vague accusation of violating local laws, led to her imprisonment in Evin. The prison is notorious for its harsh conditions.
The 29-year-old journalist was interviewed by Carabinieri from the ROS at the airport shortly after landing. A report of her hearing will be sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rome, where prosecutors will assess whether to open an investigation based on its contents. Currently, no case file has been initiated in connection with Sala’s detention.
A Diplomatic Triumph
The Italian government’s efforts to secure Sala’s release involved sensitive negotiations with Tehran and coordination with Washington. Complicating matters was the arrest at Milan’s Malpensa airport of an Iranian national wanted by the United States. Despite these challenges, the breakthrough came overnight, and by midday, Palazzo Chigi confirmed Sala’s flight was en route to Rome.
Prime Minister Meloni thanked all those involved in securing Sala’s return. She emphasised the delicate, behind-the-scenes work required to achieve such results. “This was a hidden effort, sometimes subject to criticism, but that’s how success is achieved,” Tajani noted.
Emotional Reunions
Sala’s arrival was marked by applause at the airport and emotional reunions with her parents and partner. Prime Minister Meloni greeted Sala warmly, saying, “Don’t say anything. Now you just need to stay calm. I’m here to thank you and tell you that you were strong.”
After the reunion, Sala sent a brief message to colleagues at Chora Media, the podcast company where she works: “Hello, I’m back.” Mario Calabresi, the company’s director, described the immense relief felt across the editorial team.
President Sergio Mattarella also expressed satisfaction with Sala’s release, personally calling her mother and praising the government’s successful efforts. Political leaders across the spectrum, including Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party and Giuseppe Conte of the 5 Star Movement, joined in celebrating Cecilia Sala’s return.
The Path Forward
Though Sala’s ordeal has ended, questions remain about the circumstances of her arrest and detention. Her father, reflecting on the complex negotiations, likened the situation to a crowded chess game with multiple players.
For now, however, the focus is on gratitude and relief as Sala begins to recover from her experience. Her words upon embracing her father sum it up best: “Finally, this chapter has closed.”
