Last updated on January 13, 2025
Mohammad Abedini was released after an Italian journalist was freed by Tehran
By Albart Emerson | Jan 12, 2025 at 11:30 p.m. ET Updated | U.S. NEWS
In a recent development, Italy has released Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian engineer detained at the request of the United States for allegedly supplying drone technology to Iran’s military. This action closely follows the liberation of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Tehran.
Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian engineer, was arrested in Italy in December 2024 at the behest of U.S. authorities. The U.S. accused him of exporting advanced drone navigation systems to Iran’s military, which were purportedly used in a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers.
Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, was detained in Tehran on December 19, 2024, for allegedly violating Islamic laws. She was held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions. Her arrest occurred shortly after Abedini’s detention in Italy, leading to speculations about a possible connection between the two cases.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni played a pivotal role in the negotiations, engaging in diplomatic discussions with both Iranian officials and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. These efforts culminated in Sala’s release on January 8, 2025, followed by Abedini’s release on January 12, 2025. Although the Italian government has not officially confirmed a direct exchange, the timing suggests a reciprocal arrangement.
Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio requested the revocation of Abedini’s arrest, citing that the alleged offenses did not constitute crimes under Italian law, thereby rendering the U.S. extradition request untenable. Consequently, Abedini was released and has since returned to Iran.
The sequence of events underscores the intricate dynamics of international diplomacy, legal frameworks, and human rights considerations. While the Italian government has refrained from providing detailed comments on the matter, the opposition and media have raised questions regarding the implications of such exchanges on international relations and legal precedents.
