Cecilia Sala heading home after being released by Iran

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 8 - Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released by Iran and is on her way back to Italy, the premier's office said on Wednesday.
    "The aeroplane bringing the journalist Cecilia Sala back home took off a few minutes ago from Tehran," a premier's office statement said.
    "Thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels, our compatriot has been released by the Iranian authorities and is returning to Italy.
    "Premier Giorgia Meloni expresses her gratitude to all those who contributed to making Cecilia's return possible, allowing her to re-embrace her family and colleagues".
    The statement said Meloni personally informed the journalist's parents of her release in a telephone call.
    The flight bringing Sala back is set to land at Rome's Ciampino airport at around 15:30 Italian time, sources said.
    Sala, a 29-year-old Il Foglio freelance reporter and Chora News podcaster, was arrested in Iran on December 19.
    Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed satisfaction via X, hailing the "immense job" done by Meloni and the "whole Italy team", including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano, the foreign ministry and the security services.
    "Welcome home," he said. (ANSA).