Italian journalist Cecilia Sala arrested in Tehran: Blatant violation of human rights in Iran’s repressive regime
The company “Cora Media,” with which Cecilia Sala is associated, announced in a statement that she is held in solitary confinement in Evin prison.
Iran Human Rights Center, Sunday, December 29, 2024 – Ms. Cecilia Sala, a 29-year-old Italian journalist, arrested in Tehran on December 19, 2024 (29 Azar 1403 in the Iranian calendar). She worked for the Italian newspaper “Il Foglio” and also had a popular podcast at Cora Media. This arrest marks a clear violation of human rights and press freedom in Iran.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a release that Ms. Cecilia Sala had traveled to Iran on a valid press visa to report, and she had previously visited Iran. However, she arrested in Tehran by intelligence officers and transferred to Evin prison. As of now, the reasons for her arrest remain unclear, and no specific charges have been brought against her.
Cecilia’s arrest is a blatant violation of freedom of expression and human rights.
After her arrest, Ms. Cecilia Sala held in solitary confinement in Evin prison, and she has made two phone calls to her family so far. The Italian Ambassador in Tehran has also met with her and assessed her situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy is closely following the case with great sensitivity and care and has announced that, under the instruction of Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, the Italian Embassy and Consulate in Tehran are actively pursuing this matter.
Cora Media, the company with which Ms. Cecilia Sala collaborates, has issued a statement saying that she is being held in solitary confinement in Evin prison, and no reason for her arrest has been provided. Prior to her arrest, Ms. Cecilia Sala had reported on the situation in Iran, highlighting societal changes, including the non-compliance with the hijab law by some women and their lack of fear towards the authorities and government-affiliated guards.
The arrest of foreign journalists has a history in Iran, with previous instances including the arrests of journalists such as Roxana Saberi and Jason Rezaian. To date, the repressive regime of the Islamic Republic has not provided a reason for Cecilia Sala’s detention.
This action is a clear violation of human rights and press freedom, and the international community must respond to it.
Violation of International Human Rights Laws by the Arrest of Journalists and Media Activists
The arrest of journalists can generally violate several principles and provisions of international human rights laws, particularly if it occurs without legal justification or due to their professional activities. Below are the key principles and laws related to such violations:
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
This article guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, stating that everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers, without fear of censorship or interference. The arrest of journalists for publishing news or opinions can constitute a violation of this article.
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
This article is similar to Article 19 of the UDHR but places greater emphasis on freedom of expression and the media. It states that restrictions on freedom of expression are only permissible under specific conditions (such as national security or public order) and must be based on law.
Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
This article protects the right to personal liberty and security, prohibiting arbitrary detention. The arrest of journalists without valid reason or in violation of legal principles constitutes a breach of this article.
Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This article prohibits torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. In cases where journalists tortured or mistreated while in detention, this article violated.
Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
These articles refer to the right to peaceful assembly and association, such as the right to form unions of journalists. The arrest of journalists to prevent their collective or critical activities can violate these rights.
Fundamental Principles for the Protection of Journalists
The United Nations, UNESCO, and Special Rapporteurs on human rights have repeatedly emphasized the need to protect journalists and not to interfere with their professional activities. The arrest of journalists for occupational reasons constitutes a violation of these fundamental principles and international recommendations.
Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This article guarantees the right to a fair trial and access to an impartial court. If a journalist arrested without a transparent legal process or is denied access to a lawyer or fair trial, this article is violated.
The arrest of journalists for performing their professional duties can directly violate freedom of expression, the right to hold opinions, access to information, and the prohibition of arbitrary detention. Such actions typically exert pressure on media communities and hinder the free flow of information in society.
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