Britain’s ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire, has been arrested and held for several hours after attending a vigil for the victims of the Ukraine plane crash which turned into a demonstration.
Details of his arrest were announced by the country’s semi-official Tasnim news agency and prompted an angry response from Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab.
“The arrest of our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law,” he said.
Britain’s ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire.
“The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to deescalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward.”
It is understood that the event which Mr Macaire attended had been advertised as a vigil at Amir Kabir University for the 176 victims of the Tehran plane crash last week.
He and another member of the embassy staff left once the vigil turned into a protest.
Iran protesters face off with the army
Mr Macaire was arrested on his way back to the embassy after getting a haircut. He was held for three hours before being released, following the intervention of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard, claimed Mr Macaire was in the midst of the rally accusing him of trying to “organise, instigate and direct some of the radical and destructive actions.”
It said Mr Macaire, who was safely back at the embassy is to be summoned and prosecuted on Sunday.
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