British Ambassador Rob Macaire arrested in Tehran, says UK govt

TEHRAN: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Saturday has said that the Iranian government has taken into custody the British diplomat in Tehran on Saturday after he was allegedly arrested amid demonstrations against Iran.

The foreign secretary said Rob Macaire’s arrest was a “flagrant breach” of international law, without any justification or reasons. He said Tehran is at a crossroads, with the risk of continued political and economic isolation unless it communicates with the West diplomatically.

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According to media reports, Macaire was arrested on charges “inciting” Tehran demonstrators furious at the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet by the military, killing 176 civilians, most of whom were Iranian citizens.

President Hassan Rouhani said a military investigation into the disaster had identified the Boeing 737 “missiles fired because of human error,” calling it an “unforgivable accident.”

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier on Saturday said, “The admission was an “important first step” as, “We will do our utmost to support the families of the four British victims and ensure that they get the answers and closure they deserve,” he said in a statement issued by his Downing Street office.