Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been detained in Tehran, Iran, while reporting on the country’s current state. Sala, known for her work as a war correspondent for Il Foglio newspaper and Chora Media podcast company, was arrested on December 19th and held in solitary confinement for a week.

The Italian foreign ministry is closely following Sala’s case and working with Iranian authorities to clarify her legal status. Despite being on a regular journalist visa in Iran, Sala has been allowed to make two phone calls to her family and received a visit from the Italian ambassador, Paola Amadei, while in Evin prison.

Evin prison, where Sala is being held, is notorious for housing detainees facing security charges and has been criticized for human rights violations. Sala’s arrest has sparked outrage among her colleagues and supporters, who are demanding her immediate release.

With a significant presence on social media and frequent appearances on Italian talk shows, Sala has covered various global conflicts and crises in her reporting. The Italian government and opposition leaders are calling for swift action to bring Sala back to Italy.

While Iran has not officially acknowledged Sala’s detention, it is not uncommon for the country to use individuals with ties to the West as leverage in negotiations. The situation remains tense as efforts continue to secure Sala’s release and ensure her safety.