Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has expressed relief following her release from 21 days of detention in Iran, attributing her swift return partly to a connection with Elon Musk. In a recent interview, Sala discussed the complex diplomatic negotiations that involved Italy, Iran, and the United States, which led to the swap of Sala for Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini. The negotiations were described by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni as involving "diplomatic triangulation."
Sala, who reported for Chora Media and Il Foglio, was detained in Tehran shortly after Abedini's arrest in Italy on a US warrant, linking their fates. Her boyfriend, Daniele Ranieri, played a crucial role by reaching out to Musk's Italy representative upon learning of Musk's meeting with Iran's UN ambassador. Sala emphasized the importance of these connections, noting, "Elon Musk becomes a fundamental person." Following her release, Musk clarified his involvement as minimal, stating he recommended support from the US side.
During her detention, Sala faced harsh conditions, including solitary confinement and long interrogations while hooded. She spoke of psychological stress due to sensory deprivation and lack of news from the outside world. Sala admitted fears that geopolitical tensions could have prolonged her captivity, noting concerns over former President Trump's possible influence. Now free, she continues to grapple with the psychological aftermath. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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