An Italian journalist working for Il Foglio newspaper was taken into custody by Iranian police in Tehran on December 19, the Foreign Ministry in Rome said on Friday.
The ministry said Cecilia Sala was in Iran for journalistic work when police stopped her. It is not yet clear what exactly she is accused of.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is following the case “with the utmost attention,” his ministry said.
Italy is working with the Iranian authorities to clarify the legal situation and to verify the conditions of detention.
Earlier on Friday, the Italian ambassador to Iran visited Ms Sala.