Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Evin prison

Iran has confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for allegedly violating its laws. She was detained on December 19, a day before returning home from a reporting trip, and is currently held in solitary confinement in Evin prison. A U.S. state department spokesperson suggested her arrest may be linked to the recent detention of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini in Italy. Abedini is accused of supplying drone parts to Iran's military, which resulted in American casualties. Italy has condemned Sala's arrest as "unacceptable" and is working to secure her release. She has been granted consular access and is in contact with her family. Her employer, Chora Media, revealed her arrest on December 27 after initially keeping it quiet at the family's request.