Cecilia Sala is free: a diplomatic success that unites Italy
The homecoming of the Italian journalist detained in Iran celebrates the country's diplomatic union.
Cecilia Sala is free: a diplomatic success that unites Italy.
After weeks of anxiety and hope, journalist Cecilia Sala has finally returned to Italy. Detained in Iran since December 19, Sala landed at Ciampino airport at 16:15 p.m. today, accompanied by an Italian Air Force C130 plane. She was welcomed by the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, along with numerous government officials and institutional representatives. Cecilia Sala's return was made possible thanks to intense diplomatic work carried out by Italy, with the support of the United States and, according to some observers, also of the Holy See.
The release: a diplomatic turning point
The news of Cecilia Sala's release was announced this morning at 11:24 with an official statement from Palazzo Chigi: "The plane taking journalist Cecilia Sala home took off from Teheran a few minutes ago." The message underlined the importance of intense diplomatic and intelligence work that led to the journalist's release. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni personally informed Cecilia's parents, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to this important result.
According to Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense, "the release is the result of immense work by the Italian diplomatic team, with a leading role played by the Prime Minister". Antonio Tajani also underlined the importance of teamwork: "From the beginning we all worked in the same direction to bring Cecilia home quickly".
The hug in Ciampino: emotion and gratitude
The landing of the C130 at Ciampino was greeted by a long applause from the authorities and personnel present. Giorgia Meloni, addressing Cecilia, said: “Now you just have to stay calm. You were strong”. Among the journalist’s first words, addressed to her father Renato Sala, a simple but touching “Dad, I love you. Finally this parenthesis is over”.
Also waiting for Cecilia were her mother, Elisabetta Vernoni, and her partner Daniele Raineri. “She was the usual Cecilia, but tired and worn out,” Raineri said, adding: “This story had two protagonists: Cecilia Sala and Giorgia Meloni.”
The context of liberation
Cecilia Sala's arrest in Iran had raised concerns in Italy and internationally. Held in Evin prison, known for its harsh conditions, the journalist had announced that she had received two packages from the Italian embassy and a bed only the day before her release.
According to professor and Iran expert Farian Sabahi, the speed with which Cecilia's release was obtained demonstrates the excellent relations between Italy and Iran. Another crucial element was the presence on the field of the director of the External Information and Security Agency (AISE), Giovanni Caravelli, who personally went to Tehran to accompany Cecilia on her journey home.
Diplomatic implications: the Abedini case
The release of Cecilia Sala could open new diplomatic avenues also for the case of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian engineer arrested in Milano on December 16 at the request of the United States for extradition. Although Iranian authorities have always denied a direct link between the two cases, the coincidence in time has raised speculation.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, whose role is crucial in deciding Abedini's future, said that there are no imminent measures at the moment, but left open possible developments in the coming hours.
Italy's reaction
Cecilia Sala's release was greeted with enthusiasm across Italy. An instant report by Vis Factor revealed that 95% of comments on social media were positive, with the dominant emotion being joy (75%). The Italian government was widely praised for its commitment, with particular recognition given to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister Antonio Tajani.
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, also expressed his appreciation for the result achieved, personally congratulating Meloni and phoning Cecilia Sala's mother.
The return home
After being interviewed by the ROS Carabinieri in Ciampino, Cecilia Sala will finally be able to return to her Roman home, where her neighbors have posted a welcome sign with the words: “Welcome back Cecilia” and a drawing of the Italian flag. Cecilia’s mother recounted the moments of joy that preceded the embrace with her daughter: “We were in a hurry to end the phone call to run to see each other. It was the same voice, already different from the one I had heard in the previous days”.
Cecilia Sala's return marks the end of a painful parenthesis and the beginning of a new phase of serenity for the journalist and her family. For Italy, it represents a diplomatic success and a moment of national unity.
The liberation of Cecilia Sala is an emblematic example of how diplomacy, international collaboration and determination can lead to extraordinary results. Cecilia's story is a testimony of personal strength and resilience, but also of a country that, united, managed to bring home one of its citizens in record time. Welcome back, Cecilia.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright La Milano