Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Thursday that she had no information if US tech billionaire Elon Musk was involved in the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from detention in Iran.
Meloni also addressed the case of Alireza Abedini, an Iranian-Swiss detainee in Italy, noting that the matter remains under active review by the Ministry of Justice. She explained that the evaluation involves both technical and political aspects, conducted in accordance with the treaty between Italy and the United States.
"This matter requires continued discussion with our American friends," Meloni said. "I would have liked to discuss it with President Biden, who had to cancel his trip, and to whom we extend our solidarity."
Abedini, accused of transferring drone technology to Iran, was arrested at Milan Airport on a US warrant. According to Washington, the technology was used in a February attack near the Jordan-Syria border that killed three American soldiers. Iran denies the allegation.
His arrest has been linked to the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was apprehended in Tehran last month while on a standard journalistic visa. Sala was released on Wednesday following diplomatic efforts.
