Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who was arrested on December 19, 2024, in Iran for allegedly violating local laws, has been released and is currently being repatriated to Italy. The Italian government confirmed her release on January 8, highlighting the diplomatic efforts involved. Sala, who was detained in Tehran during a professional trip, had been held in Evin Prison since her arrest, which occurred shortly after the detention of two Iranians in Italy and the U.S. for technology transfer allegations.