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Iran Nabs Italian Female Journalist For Alleged Violation Of Islamic Law
The Iranian government state has confirmed that it had arrested an Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for allegedly violating Islamic law.
The arrest was swiftly condemned by Italy as “unacceptable,” AP reports.
Sala, an Italian citizen, entered Iran on December 13, 2024, with a journalist visa, and was detained on December 19, 2024, for breaching the laws of the Islamic Republic, the official IRNA news agency reported, citing a statement from the Iranian Ministry of Culture.
However, no further details about the violation were provided.
The ministry added that the case is under investigation. It also oversees the accreditation of foreign journalists in Iran.
Sala, who is reportedly 29 years old, last posted on X (formerly Twitter) on December 17, sharing a link to a podcast titled “A Conversation on Patriarchy in Tehran.”
Sala had previously reported from Ukraine on the war involving Iran’s ally, Russia.
Chora Media, an Italian podcast publisher for which Sala works, confirmed that she had traveled to Iran on a journalist visa and was scheduled to return on December 20.
On Friday, Italy condemned her arrest as “unacceptable” and confirmed that she was being held at Tehran’s Evin prison.
Italy’s ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, has visited Sala.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on Saturday that efforts to secure her release were “complicated.”
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni’s office said she was “closely monitoring the complex situation.”
Iran’s Ministry of Culture confirmed on Monday that Sala had been granted consular assistance and had been in contact with her family by phone.
Sala’s arrest came just days after the United States and Italy arrested two Iranian nationals over alleged export violations linked to a deadly attack on American servicemen.
The two men, Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, were accused of conspiring to export advanced electronic components from the U.S. to Iran in violation of export control and sanctions laws, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement.
One of the suspects was arrested in Italy at Washington’s request.
The statement claimed the exported technology was used in a January drone strike that killed three U.S. servicemen in Jordan.
Iran has denied involvement in the attack. Earlier this month, Tehran formally protested the arrests to the Italian chargé d’affaires and the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents U.S. interests there.
Several other Europeans remain imprisoned in Iran, which has conducted multiple prisoner exchanges with Western governments in recent years, often mediated by Oman or Qatar.
For example, French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris have been detained since May 2022 on espionage charges, which carry the death penalty in Iran.
In June, Iran released two Swedes, including a European Union diplomat, in exchange for a former official held in Sweden, in a deal mediated by Oman.
In 2023, Oman also brokered the release of six European detainees in Iran, including Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, who had been convicted of espionage and imprisoned for over a year.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Kidnappers have killed a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer, Abdulfatai Odutola, over a delay in ransom payment.
Recall that Odutola, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.
He was reportedly travelling to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, at the time of the incident.
His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
A military internal memo earlier obtained by SaharaReporters had read, “Pls information reaching me now from this sldr whisky that MWO Abdulfatai Odutola (CC 23 BDE Yola) was kidnapped yesterday along Abuja-Jos Road, while returning to Yola. He left Ilorin on Friday 14th of Feb 2025 and slept at Abuja. He continued his movement from Abuja yesterday b4 the incident happened to him.
“Currently they are demanding N20,000,0000 for his release. Pse appropriate authority should help the sldr.”
However, another internal memo revealed that the body of the senior personnel has been recovered.
“Information reaching us now from Yola is that the above MWO Abdulfatai Odutola’s body was discovered by police from Jos forest killed by his kidnappers after passing deadline for payment of 20 million naira ransom payment demanded by his kidnappers. Also his car was discovered. Kindly take action.”
SaharaReporters recently reported that Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists killed three army personnel during an attack on a military base in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly attacked the military facility in Isige town, Gwoza Local Government Area, for several hours.
According to a source, the terrorists destroyed several buildings and stole two gun trucks during the assault.
“There was an attack recently in Borno, one Staff Sergeant with two private soldiers were killed. However, the army authorities are silent over the attack which happened at a base in Isige Town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“They burnt one military vehicle while they went away with two gun trucks, later reinforcement came from nearby unit but then the Boko Haram fighters have left,” the source said. (SaharaReporters: Text, Excluding Headline)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Canada’s immigration authorities have clarified that seeking asylum does not provide an automatic exemption from immigration laws.
The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must demonstrate that returning to their home country would subject them to serious harm in order to avoid deportation.
The asylum system is designed to offer protection to those fleeing threats such as torture, persecution, and inhumane treatment.
IRCC has reiterated that the asylum process is not a shortcut to entering the country.
Applicants must provide verifiable evidence of persecution and undergo multiple checks, including medical examinations, biometric data collection, and security screenings.
The statement reads, “It is a rigorous process to determine whether you have a legitimate need for refugee protection according to Canadian and international laws. Our rules-based system will determine the validity of your claim. It’s important to understand that not all claims will be accepted. If you make an asylum claim in Canada, you will need to:
Have health, criminal, security and other background checks
Get a medical exam
Provide personal and biometric (photo and fingerprints) information
Provide concrete evidence of persecution and the risks of being in your home country
Declare on your application if you are working with a representative, even if you’re not paying them
“Providing false information on your refugee claim application is considered lying, and your application may be refused.
“You’ll be removed from Canada if you don’t have a legitimate claim or are not eligible to make a claim in Canada. It can take a long time to get a final decision on your asylum claim. There’s no guarantee that you will be allowed to stay in Canada.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered restriction of vehicular movement from 5am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd February 2022 across Osun state.
The directive of the State Governor was sequel to the statewide local government elections that are scheduled to be held tomorrow across the state.
Governor Adeleke who reiterated his commitment to peace and security said the movement restriction is necessary to prevent importation of hoodlums into the state amidst local elections.
He therefore directed security agencies to enforce the restriction and only allow voters and accredited media and civil society organizations for the continued peace and security of Osun state.
SAD! Abductors k!ll soldier over delayed ransom payment
Canada gives new guidelines For Asylum Seekers Insists Evidence Of insecurity must be proven
OSUN LG POLLS: Gov Adeleke Orders Restriction Of Vehicular Movement
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