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Italian Journalist's Harsh Experience Reveals Continuation of Iranian Hostage Diplomacy
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The Italian journalist's testimony reveals the Iranian regime's continued use of foreign civilians as bargaining chips despite apparent changes in its political leadership
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala (29) detailed horrifying details about her detention period in Iran's Evin prison in an interview with the "New York Times," which ended in an exchange deal with Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini, accused of smuggling drone parts used in killing American soldiers.
Sala explained that her visit to Iran came after Pezeshkian's rise to presidency, where "Revolutionary Guard intelligence agents stormed her hotel room in Tehran" on December 19th, and transferred her blindfolded to Evin prison, confirming that she "feared from the moment of her arrest that she would be held hostage for an exchange deal."
Sala narrated details of her suffering in prison, where she was forced to wear prison clothes and her glasses were confiscated. She was placed in a cell lacking basic comforts, under constant lighting that prevented sleep, while being subjected to interrogations while blindfolded.
Sala pointed to experiencing severe psychological pressure, hearing sounds of other prisoners' suffering, expressing her fears of psychological breakdown by saying: "I entered prison as a human, but I will leave as an animal."
Sala's ordeal continued until January 8th, when she was released as part of an exchange deal, while an Iranian official revealed Elon Musk's role in the release process, which Musk himself confirmed on the "X" platform.
Analysts confirm that Sala's case reveals Iran's continued practice of "hostage detention diplomacy" as a means of pressuring the West, despite claims about changing political approach with President Pezeshkian's rise to power.
Levant-Agencies
