Sala was detained three days after Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Milan on a US warrant for allegedly supplying parts for drones used in a 2024 attack that killed three US military personnel in Jordan, according to Washington. Iran has denied involvement in the attack.
Italy said 29-year-old Sala was freed “thanks to intensive work through diplomatic and intelligence channels”. No mention was made of the Abedini case. A source familiar with the matter said that Abedini is still in prison in Milan.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped make Cecilia’s return possible,” Meloni posted on Xu.
Sala works for the newspaper Il Foglio and the podcast company Chora Media.
Iranian security forces have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals in recent years, mostly on charges of espionage and endangering security. Human rights groups have accused Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries with such arrests. Iran denies this.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Sunday that Abedini’s detention was tantamount to kidnapping.
(Vijesti.ba / HINA)
