Italy summons Iranian ambassador over journalist detained in Tehran
The Italian government has summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran, calling for her immediate release, the Foreign Ministry in Rome said on Thursday.
Ms Sala, who works for Italian daily Il Foglio and runs a well-known podcast, was arrested in the Iranian capital on December 19 on accusations of violating the country’s media law.
She is being held in solitary confinement at Tehran’s notorious Evin prison.
According to Italian media reports, Ms Sala, 29, has complained to relatives about the conditions she is being kept in, including being forced to sleep on the floor without a mattress.
In addition, the lights are being kept on in her cell throughout the night and her glasses have been taken from her, according to the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
EU foreign policy Chief Kaja Kallas has also called for the journalist’s release.
“No one should be imprisoned for doing their job. Journalism is not a crime,” Mr Kallas told La Repubblica newspaper.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was reportedly due to meet with some cabinet ministers on Thursday to discuss further steps on the matter.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Niger: Police rescue two suspected phone thieves from mob
He identified the suspects as Hassan Abdullahi, 20, and Khalifa Bashir, 22.
Heading 5
Court of Appeal nullifies Electoral Act provisions on parties’ primary election, membership register
Zenith Party argued that the disputed Electoral Act provisions unlawfully interfered with the internal affairs of political parties.
Lagos
Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurates climate investment fund
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the fund as a landmark intervention.
States
Judiciary partners revenue board to boost IGR in Taraba
Mr Agya commended the service for its reforms.
NationWide
NRC reaffirms police partnership to protect rail assets
Mr Opeifa described the nation’s railway infrastructure as critical national assets that must be safeguarded.
