Cecilia Sala freed, italian journalist detained in Teheran returns home. What led to her release?

Cecilia Sala is now free and back in Italy. The journalist was held in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran for almost three weeks now. It has been reported that Giovanni Caravelli, director of the External Intelligence and Security Agency (Aise), personally traveled to the Iranian capital to secure her return.

Cecilia Sala, italian journalist arrested in Tehran: her detention conditions in Evin Prison are reported to be awful

Cecilia Sala freed (thanks to Aise)

She was detained since December 19, 2024, shortly after arriving on a journalist visa. Now she isback home, landing in Ciampino's airport (Rome) in the afternoon.

But what is Aise, and who is General Caravelli, the protagonist of this diplomatic and intelligence mission? "Aise: Italian intelligence beyond borders The External Intelligence and Security Agency" (Aise) is responsible for protecting Italian strategic interests outside national borders.

Its main purpose is to gather and analyze useful information for the defense of the security, independence, and integrity of the Republic, operating in delicate international contexts.

General Caravelli, on his side, boasts numerous awards, including medals for NATO missions, peacekeeping, and interventions in natural disasters. He is also a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. The return of Cecilia Sala The direct presence of General Caravelli in Tehran underscores the diplomatic and humanitarian importance of the mission, confirming the strategic role of Aise in protecting Italian citizens abroad. Cecilia Sala remained in the Iranian prison for 20 days. The arrival of the plane that will bring the journalist to Rome is expected at Ciampino airport at 3:30 PM today.

Cecilia Sala, what happened and her detention conditions

The photographs of the detention conditions at the notorious Evin Prison, where Cecilia Sala was being held, were quite disturbing. She was arrested three weeks ago on vague charges, alleging that she "violated the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Evin Prison has long been a site of imprisonment for dissidents, journalists, academics, students, activists, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. Reports from political prisoners describe overcrowded cells, inadequate medical care, and widespread use of torture. These direct and indirect testimonies have, for years, exposed the grim reality behind the walls of this notorious institution, which has become a symbol of oppression in Tehran. With an estimated 15,000 inmates, Evin serves as a dark reminder of the Iranian regime’s relentless control over its people.

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