After the election of a more moderate president in Iran, Italian journalist Cecilia Sala received a long-awaited journalist visa, having been denied for two years. Friends and colleagues indicated that the new government appeared more open to foreign reporters as it aimed to improve relations with Europe.
Having not visited Iran since 2021, when protests led by women and girls erupted against clerical rule, Ms. Sala traveled to Tehran to observe any changes firsthand. However, her experience revealed a stark reality of continuity in repression.
On December 19, while preparing for her daily podcast, two agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps arrived at her hotel room. Ms. Sala reported that they forcibly took her phone and blindfolded her before transporting her to Evin prison, known for housing political prisoners and reports of torture.
Upon inquiry about her alleged offenses, she was told she had committed "many illegal actions in many places." Iran has a history of detaining foreign and dual citizens as leverage in international negotiations, a practice that has persisted since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Ms. Sala expressed concern that her detention was linked to the recent arrest of an Iranian engineer in Italy, who was wanted by the United States for his involvement in providing drone technology used in an attack that killed American soldiers.
Inside Evin prison, Ms. Sala was given a prison uniform and stripped of her glasses, rendering her nearly blind. She described her cell as sparse, with only two blankets and constant lighting that hindered her sleep. During her confinement, she discovered a blood stain and markings on the wall that seemed to be left by a previous inmate.
Ms. Sala endured frequent interrogations, during which her interrogator demonstrated knowledge of Italy, even asking about her pizza preferences. She was allowed limited communication with her family, but was warned that public comments about her situation could prolong her imprisonment.
She recounted the distressing sounds from other cells, fearing that prolonged detention would lead to her mental and physical deterioration. After several weeks, Ms. Sala was released on January 8, coinciding with Italy's decision to free the Iranian engineer. Reports indicated that her release was facilitated in part by Elon Musk.
Now back in Italy, Ms. Sala expressed a strong desire to return to journalism, emphasizing her commitment to telling others' stories. However, she stated unequivocally that she would not return to Iran as long as the current regime remains in power.