The General Directorate of Foreign Media of Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Enlightenment said that Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained on December 19, 2024 for violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran, IRNA reported. 

In a statement issued on Monday, the General Directorate of Foreign Media of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Enlightenment confirmed that the policies of Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Enlightenment have consistently encouraged travel and legitimate activities of journalists from various international media outlets.

“The ministry seeks to increase the presence of foreign media in the country and protect their legitimate rights, a policy that the 14th government is actively pursuing,” the statement said.

The ministry said Italian national Cecilia Sala arrived in Iran on a journalist visa on December 13, 2024, but was detained on December 19, 2024, on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement noted that her case is currently under investigation. It is also noted that her detention was carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations.

The ministry added that the Italian embassy in Tehran has been informed and she has been granted consular access during this time and is in contact with her family by phone.

Earlier, Italian and American media, citing the Italian Foreign Ministry, reported about the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Tehran.