The Iranian authorities have confirmed for the first time that Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was arrested in the country on the grounds of violation of the Islamic Republic's laws.
Ms. Sala, a 29-year-old journalist and the host of a popular news and foreign affairs podcast, was detained in Iran on 19 December, the day before she was supposed to fly home from a reporting trip. She is now reportedly being held in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison.
On 16 December, Iranian national Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Milan on charges of supplying electronic parts for drones to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers. The US is currently seeking Mr. Abedini's extradition from Italy.
The US state department spokesperson quoted by La Repubblica said Ms. Sala was being used as "political leverage."
Neither the Italian nor the Iranian governments have confirmed any link between Cecilia Sala and Mohammad Abedini.
Cecilia Sala's employer, podcast company Chora Media, broke the news of her arrest on 27 December. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that the entire Italian government was "working tirelessly" to ensure Ms. Sala's release.
Ms. Sala has been granted consular access and is in contact with her family by phone, the Iranian Culture Ministry said.