Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released from an Iranian prison and is en route back to Italy, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday. Sala, who was detained by Tehran police on December 19 while reporting in Iran's capital, is now on a plane heading home.
The statement from Meloni's office expressed gratitude for the successful efforts made through diplomatic and intelligence channels to secure Sala's release by the Iranian authorities. The spokesperson mentioned that the plane carrying Sala departed from Tehran a few minutes ago, marking the journalist's journey back to Italy.
In acknowledging the collaborative work that led to Sala's freedom, Meloni extended thanks to all involved parties who played a role in facilitating Sala's return. The prime minister's office also highlighted that President Meloni personally contacted Sala's parents to inform them of their daughter's imminent return.
