Cecilia Sala freed from Iranian imprisonment after three weeks!

Cecilia Sala freed from Iranian imprisonment after three weeks!

Teheran, Iran - After three long weeks in an Iranian prison, the Italian journalist Cecilia Sala is finally free! The news of her release caused a jubilee in Italy and dominated the headlines. Sala, who works for the newspaper IL Foglio, was arrested on December 19 and kept in solitary confinement in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran.

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Wednesday that the release of Sala was successfully secured. In her explanation, she expressed her gratitude towards everyone who contributed to her return. "I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to bringing Cecilia home so that she can hug her family and colleagues again," wrote Meloni on X.

political negotiations and speculation

The circumstances of your arrest raise questions. Iran vehemently denies that SALS arrest is related to the arrest of Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini in Italy. Abedini was arrested at Milan Airport, as he is accused of being involved in an attack on US troops in Jordan, in which three American soldiers were killed.

Italian commentators speculate that Sala was used as a means of pressure. Iran is often accused of using western prisoners as a negotiating mass. An example of this is the release of five Americans in September 2023, which were exchanged for five Iranians and $ 6 billion frozen Iranian assets.

The reactions in Italy

The news of Sals release was taken with joy in Italy. Politicians praised the successful negotiations that led to their return, showing Meloni's political strength. It is reported that Meloni spoke to US President Donald Trump at the weekend, with unconfirmed media reports indicate that Trump could have agreed to a deal to release Sala as long as this is done before his inauguration on January 20th.

The Italian Prime Minister also personally informed Sals parents about their release. While Sala was held in Tehran, it was supported by the international community, which was committed to returning. Despite the speculation about possible connections between the two cases, Abedini remains in Italian detention.

-transmitted by West-Ost-Medien