The parents of an Italian journalist detained in Tehran have called on the media to observe a press blackout, citing the delicate nature of efforts to secure her release.

“The situation of our daughter, Cecilia Sala, locked in a Tehran prison for 16 days, is complicated and very worrying," Italian media quoted her parents, Elizabeth Vernoni and Renato Sala, as saying in a statement.

"To try to bring her home, our government has mobilized to the maximum, and now, in addition to the efforts of the Italian authorities, confidentiality and discretion are also necessary.”

They added that the ongoing public debate could hinder progress, saying, “The stage we have reached is, however, very delicate, and the feeling is that the great media debate on what can or should be done risks prolonging the times and making a solution more complicated and distant."

"For this reason, we have decided to abstain from comments and statements and we appeal to the media asking for a press blackout,” they added.