British ambassador to Iran speaks out after being detained in Tehran

Britain’s ambassador to Iran has said he did not take part in any demonstration after he was arrested during anti-government protests in Tehran.

Rob Macaire was held for more than an hour after he and a number of other people were detained on suspicion of organizing, provoking and directing radical action near Amir Kabir University.

Speaking for the first time since his arrest, Mr. Macaire said he had been attending a vigil for the victims of a fatal plane crash before he was detained.

He tweeted: “Thanks for the many goodwill messages. I can confirm I wasn’t taking part in any demonstrations!

“Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy.

“Normal to want to pay respects – some of the victims were British. I left after 5 mins when some started chanting.”

He added: “Detained half an hour after leaving the area.

His arrest came as a wave of anti-government demonstrations broke out across Iran after the country admitted it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 people on board, including four Britons.