Iran releases Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from jail
Al Jazeera
Tehran denies Sala’s December 19 detainment was linked to an Iranian businessman’s arrest in Italy on a US warrant.
Iran has released journalist Cecilia Sala after three weeks in jail, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office says.
Meloni’s office issued a statement on Wednesday announcing Sala’s release had been secured more than three weeks after she was arrested on December 19. Tehran has denied speculation that her arrest was linked to Rome’s detainment of an Iranian businessman that the United States accuses of involvement in an attack on its military.
The announcement was met with cheers in Italy, where her plight had dominated headlines. Lawmakers hailed the successful negotiations to bring her home, illustrating the strength of the political gain for Meloni.
“I want to express gratitude to all those who contributed to making Cecilia’s return possible, allowing her to embrace her family and colleagues again,” Meloni posted on X.
She added that she had personally informed Sala’s parents of her release.
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