Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has arrived back in the country’s capital after being freed from an Iranian prison where she had spent weeks in detention.

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released by Iran and is on her way back to Italy, the premier's office said on Wednesday. "The aeroplane bringing the journalist Cecilia Sala back home took off a few minutes ago from Tehran,

Sala’s arrest in Tehran last month had sparked fears of a lengthy hostage crisis. Italy is expected to free Iranian businessman, wanted by the U.S., as part of a deal.