Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained during a reporting trip to Iran last month, was released on Wednesday and is on her way back to Italy, the Italian government said.
“The plane carrying journalist Cecilia Sala to her home took off from Tehran a few minutes ago,” the Italian government announced on Wednesday morning, adding that “our compatriot was released by the Iranian authorities thanks to the hard work of diplomatic and intelligence channels.” “
Ms. Sala, 29, had been held for 20 days and told her family she was kept in solitary confinement with only two blankets and constant light.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Fars news agency also reported the release of Ms. Sala, citing the Italian prime minister.
Daniele Raineri, Ms Sala's partner, said on Wednesday that she called him and said: “I'm free”.
“I am very happy,” said Mr. Raineri as he prepared to go to the airport to meet Ms. Sala. He said the wait was “excruciating” but that Italy was doing an “exceptional job”.
Ms Sala's plane was due to land in Rome at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, Mr Raineri said.
Ms. Sala, who holds a journalist's visa, was arrested on Dec. 19 on charges of violating laws in the Islamic Republic of Iran, but officials there did not provide further details.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Ms Sala's parents on Wednesday to inform them of her return, according to a government statement.
This is an evolving story.
Leili Nicounazar contributed to the report.