Most career paths, including those involving international travel, do not pose the threat of random and unfair arrest. In this sense, international journalism stands alone because of the constantly looming presence of detainment.
Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, was arrested in Iran Dec. 19, 2024, for “violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. Sala’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the personal dangers journalists encounter — and the ways these dangers are used as political leverage between countries.
International journalism, with its dangers aside, helps shape global understanding and connection. Sala was providing this service to Italy as a foreign and war correspondent from Venezuela, Chile, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Iran. Her career has revolved around reporting from dangerous regions to offer diverse and niche perspectives that are not always mainstream.
And still, Sala was detained in Iran while carrying out her job tasks — tasks that she is certainly established and well-versed in. According to the Washington Post, Sala was capturing moments of everyday life in Iran for two Italian publications, and she posted photos of women socializing around Tehran. Chora News also reported that she was traveling with a valid journalistic visa and the protections of a journalist on assignment.
A statement from Chora News reads, “Cecilia Sala is a professional journalist working for Chora News and Il Foglio. She was in Iran doing her job with the diligence, care, passion, and professionalism that everyone recognizes in her. Her free voice has been silenced, and neither Italy nor Europe can tolerate this arbitrary arrest.”
For an ordinary person and an ordinary journalist, it’s nearly impossible to imagine being detained for no reason. However, the likely truth is that Sala actually didn’t violate the law, and her unfair arrest was the result of a political game.
The Washington Post reported, “Her detention came three days after an Iranian engineer, Mohammad Abedini, was arrested in Italy on a U.S. warrant. Abedini is accused of leaking technology information that helped Iran launch a deadly drone attack a year ago on U.S. troops in Jordan, according to U.S. officials.”
The Associated Press also reported, “Meloni’s visit to Trump had a strong impact on the premier’s international standing, which strengthened Italy’s hand in negotiations, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said.”
Combined, these factors highlight the larger game both countries were playing — using Sala as leverage, which threatens not only journalists, but the larger truth. It’s frightening that this appears to not be an isolated incident, but a small part of a larger power game between Italy, Iran and the U.S.
Journalists being killed and detained is not a new concept. Reporters Without Borders released their 2024 roundup that revealed, “Since October 2023, over 145 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army, including at least 35 whose deaths were linked to their journalism. What’s more, 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide, a 7% increase from last year.”
Sala returned home Wednesday, sparking international applause. However, her unwarranted detention will long serve as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face everyday. When journalists such as Sala are used as a political pawn, it creates further divides between countries – which directly contrasts with the purpose of international journalism.
Layne Rey is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
