Iran Alert: Italian journalist detained in Tehran, per December 27 statement by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; avoid non-essential travel

Dec 2024

12:16 UTC

Current Situation:

On December 27, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that an Italian journalist, who traveled to Iran to carry out “journalistic services”, had been detained by the Iranian authorities on December 19.
The reason for the detention has not been stated as of the time of writing.
The Italian Ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei carried out a consular visit to verify the conditions of the detention and facilitate a “quick and positive” resolution of the issue.
Iranian authorities have not released a statement confirming or denying the arrest.

Source: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Recommendations:

Western nationals are advised to avoid nonessential travel to Iran due to the risk of detention. For any essential travel, maintain a low profile due to prevailing negative sentiment toward the West and avoid the vicinity of any protests.
Those traveling to Iran should anticipate prolonged questioning by border officials. Cooperate with all security officials and respond to questioning in a respectable and calm manner. Iranian authorities are liable to rigorously question travelers to the country regarding the purpose of their visit and scrutinize their personal items, especially electronic devices that could be used for documenting events or surveillance.
Refrain from taking photos in prohibited areas, including government or military installations, as this may lead to detention. If unsure if photography is permitted, look for a sign or ask a local. Err on the side of caution if in doubt.
Both in-person and on social media, avoid discussing domestic and geopolitical developments pertaining to Iran, anti-government protests, Iran’s nuclear program, tensions between Iran, the US, Gulf countries, and Israel, treatment of minority groups and opposition activists, the activities of the IRGC, and the policies and ideology of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader. This is due to the potential for detention on national security charges.
Do not take photographs of sensitive or state-linked infrastructure, including IRGC-linked facilities, Iranian military or government buildings, and installations linked to Iran’s nuclear activities.
Be advised that authorities may monitor communications from hotels and other facilities frequented by foreigners and that internet access may be limited.
In the event that embassy services are required, it is advised to check the operational status of pertinent embassies and consulates. Consular services for US citizens are provided through the auspices of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.

High

Tehran, Iran

High

Confirmed

Current Situation:

On December 27, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that an Italian journalist, who traveled to Iran to carry out “journalistic services”, had been detained by the Iranian authorities on December 19.
The reason for the detention has not been stated as of the time of writing.
The Italian Ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei carried out a consular visit to verify the conditions of the detention and facilitate a “quick and positive” resolution of the issue.
Iranian authorities have not released a statement confirming or denying the arrest.

Source: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Recommendations:

Western nationals are advised to avoid nonessential travel to Iran due to the risk of detention. For any essential travel, maintain a low profile due to prevailing negative sentiment toward the West and avoid the vicinity of any protests.
Those traveling to Iran should anticipate prolonged questioning by border officials. Cooperate with all security officials and respond to questioning in a respectable and calm manner. Iranian authorities are liable to rigorously question travelers to the country regarding the purpose of their visit and scrutinize their personal items, especially electronic devices that could be used for documenting events or surveillance.
Refrain from taking photos in prohibited areas, including government or military installations, as this may lead to detention. If unsure if photography is permitted, look for a sign or ask a local. Err on the side of caution if in doubt.
Both in-person and on social media, avoid discussing domestic and geopolitical developments pertaining to Iran, anti-government protests, Iran’s nuclear program, tensions between Iran, the US, Gulf countries, and Israel, treatment of minority groups and opposition activists, the activities of the IRGC, and the policies and ideology of the Islamic Republic and the Supreme Leader. This is due to the potential for detention on national security charges.
Do not take photographs of sensitive or state-linked infrastructure, including IRGC-linked facilities, Iranian military or government buildings, and installations linked to Iran’s nuclear activities.
Be advised that authorities may monitor communications from hotels and other facilities frequented by foreigners and that internet access may be limited.
In the event that embassy services are required, it is advised to check the operational status of pertinent embassies and consulates. Consular services for US citizens are provided through the auspices of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.