Iran: We Demand The Immediate Release Of Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala
December 19, 2024 - Iran, Tehran
Women Press Freedom and the Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) strongly condemn the unjust detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala by Iranian authorities. Cecilia Sala, an esteemed journalist known for her insightful reporting from conflicts, was arrested by Iranian authorities on December 19, 2024, in Tehran while conducting her work with a valid journalist visa. We condemn her unjust detention in solitary confinement at Evin Prison. We are informed by sources that she has limited access to legal counsel, only through the intervention of the Italian Ambassador in the country, while no access to contact with her family. This act is a blatant violation of her fundamental rights and a calculated affront to press freedom. Sala’s detention is not just a personal ordeal but a stark symbol of the broader repression that journalists—particularly women journalists—face in Iran. Since the beginning of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in 2022, we have consistently documented Iran’s intensified crackdown on free expression, particularly on women journalists, arresting at least 79 journalists, including 44 women journalists. This systematic targeting of media professionals highlights an alarming trend of silencing dissent, stifling the truth and particular trend of merciless targeting of women journalists.
Journalism Is Not a Crime
Cecilia Sala traveled to Iran to tell the stories of its people—a country she has deep insight for and one she covered with integrity. Her arrest is a clear attempt by Iranian authorities to intimidate journalists and suppress narratives that challenge the regime’s official line. Journalism is not a crime. It is a public service that upholds transparency, accountability, and the fundamental right to information.
By detaining Sala, the Iranian government has not only attacked press freedom but has also crossed a critical line, challenging values upheld universally by the international community, including freedom of speech, transparency, and human rights.
An Appeal from our founding director:
“We call on the international community, European leaders, and organizations dedicated to press freedom and human rights to take immediate and decisive action. Cecilia Sala’s detention is not an isolated case; it is part of a broader pattern of detaining and mistreating women journalists, and the growing trend of transnational repression,” said our founding director Krian Nazish. “With Cecilia’s unjust arrest we believe Iran is weaponizing a hostage situation to exert political leverage and warn other foreign journalists who want to work in Iran. We need to work together to put an end to this kind tactic to silence press freedom and target women journalists.”
To European Leaders: We urge the European Union, member states, and institutions to use every diplomatic and political avenue to secure Cecilia Sala’s release. European values of democracy, transparency, and freedom of speech are at stake. The EU’s commitment to protecting its citizens and safeguarding fundamental freedoms must translate into tangible actions, including direct engagement with Iranian authorities, increased sanctions targeting those responsible for human rights abuses, and unwavering support for journalists at risk.
To the International Community: The global response must be unequivocal. Governments, international organizations, and civil society must unite in condemning Iran’s actions and pressuring the regime to uphold its obligations under international law. Silence and inaction will embolden further violations.
“With Cecelia’s unjust arrest we believe Iran is weaponizing a hostage situation to exert political leverage and warn other foreign journalists who want to work in Iran. We need to work together to put an end to this kind tactic to silence press freedom and target women journalists.”
Iran Must Act Now:
We demand that the Iranian authorities immediately and unconditionally release Cecilia Sala. Her detention violates international conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party. We also demand that Iran cease its systematic targeting of journalists and respect the role of the press as an essential pillar of society.
Keeping Press Freedom Alive
The world cannot afford to look away. Cecilia Sala’s case must serve as a rallying cry for defending press freedom and protecting those who risk their lives to bring us the truth. The ongoing detention and intimidation of journalists in Iran highlight the urgency of holding repressive regimes accountable.
We call on journalists, media organizations, and advocates for human rights to keep Cecilia Sala’s story on the front pages and in the public consciousness. Let her name echo across headlines, social media platforms, and diplomatic corridors until she is safely brought home.
Cecilia Sala’s work represents the very best of journalism—courage, compassion, and commitment to the truth. We owe it to her, and to all journalists risking their freedom and lives, to demand justice and ensure their safety.
Call to Action
We implore Iranian authorities to do what is just and release Cecilia Sala immediately. We call on the international community to come together in the effort to urge Iranian authorities to respect the integrity of press freedom, and the integrity foreign journalists working in Iran under valid visas.
#BringCeciliaSalaHome
#JournalismIsNotACrime
