Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was imprisoned in Iran, has been released. It is reported that she returned to Italy after being released on Wednesday.

"After intensive work with diplomatic and intelligence agencies, the plane carrying 29-year-old Cecilia left Tehran," said a statement issued by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office. It will arrive at Rome's Ciampino Airport at 3.30 pm.'

Il Foglio reporter Cecilia was arrested on December 19 for violating Islamic law. She was arrested a day after she arrived in Iran on a journalist visa. 

A few days before Cecilia was detained, Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi was arrested at Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy. Najafabadi has been accused of supplying drone materials to Tehran. The case against him will be heard on January 15. 

Iran says Cecilia's arrest has nothing to do with Abedini's case. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai said Cecilia was arrested on charges of "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic" during her reporting trip.