Italian journalist's detention in Iran 'assault on media freedom' - MEP

German Member of the European Parliament Hannah Neumann on Friday condemned Iran's detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala as another case of "hostage taking" by Islamic Republic authorities aimed at securing the release of its convicted prisoners abroad.

"Another hostage has been taken by Islamic Republic of Iran. Another assault on media freedom, on women, on international law," Neumann said in a post on her X account.

She called for immediate action to secure Sala’s release, adding: “For all those still saying: ‘We need to judge them [Iranian authorities] by their actions’ – these are their actions.”