The U.S. Calls the Arrest of an Italian Journalist in Iran a 'Retaliatory' Action

The U.S. State Department stated that the arrest of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist in Tehran, appears to be a 'retaliatory' action by the Islamic Republic following the detention of an Iranian-Swiss citizen suspected of violating U.S. arms sanctions against Iran. A spokesperson for the State Department told the Italian newspaper 'La Repubblica' on Sunday, January 9, that 'unfortunately, the Iranian government continues to unjustly detain citizens from many countries and often uses them as political leverage.' Referring to the arrest of an Iranian-Swiss businessman on December 16 in Italy, three days before Ms. Sala's arrest, he stated that there is no justification for these actions by Iran, and she should be released immediately. The U.S. has charged two Iranians in connection with last year's attack on the Tower 22 base. This U.S. official's reference is to the arrest of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, who has been accused by the U.S. judiciary of transferring sensitive technology from the U.S. to Iran in collaboration with his accomplice, Mehdi Mohammad Sadeghi. This technology was used in a drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. military personnel. He has not yet been extradited to the U.S., but The Guardian reported that the arrest of Mohammad Abedini has led to a diplomatic tension, with Tehran summoning the ambassadors of Switzerland and Italy. Reactions to the arrest of the Italian journalist in Tehran; Rome says the issue is 'complex.' Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced yesterday that 'we are trying to resolve a complex issue.' Several international media outlets have reported that the arrest of this Italian journalist has raised concerns that Iranian officials intend to use her as leverage in their dealings with the West. Earlier, Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists described Ms. Sala's arrest as 'arbitrary detention' and called for her immediate release. Mr. Tajani stated regarding the arrest of Najafabadi that since he has not yet been convicted, he is under detention according to all protective laws that must be provided: 'He has received a consular visit, and his lawyer has had the opportunity to be informed of the charges. However, these charges have been made based on an international arrest warrant, not a decision by Italy.' He stated that Italy does not have jurisdiction over this Iranian citizen's criminal case and will decide on his extradition. Antonio Tajani said yesterday that the official reason for Cecilia Sala's arrest by the Islamic Republic of Iran is still unclear, but he expressed hope that her lawyer would soon be able to meet with the journalist and obtain more information. Cecilia Sala is a producer known for 'Stories' and also a journalist for the newspaper 'Il Foglio.'