Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has
been released by Iran and is on her way back to Italy, the
premier's office said on Wednesday.
"The aeroplane bringing the journalist Cecilia Sala back home
took off a few minutes ago from Tehran," a premier's office
statement said.
"Thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels,
our compatriot has been released by the Iranian authorities and
is returning to Italy.
"Premier Giorgia Meloni expresses her gratitude to all those who
contributed to making Cecilia's return possible, allowing her to
re-embrace her family and colleagues".
The statement said Meloni personally informed the journalist's
parents of her release in a telephone call.
The flight bringing Sala back is set to land at Rome's Ciampino
airport at around 15:30 Italian time, sources said.
Sala, a 29-year-old Il Foglio freelance reporter and Chora News
podcaster, was arrested in Iran on December 19.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed satisfaction via X,
hailing the "immense job" done by Meloni and the "whole Italy
team", including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Cabinet
Secretary Alfredo Mantovano, the foreign ministry and the
security services.
"Welcome home," he said.
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