Iran announces arrests over downing of plane that killed 176

In this file handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency on Jan 8, 2020 Iranian president Hassan Rouhani speaks during a cabinet meeting in the capital Tehran.- AFP

TEHRAN, Iran (AP): Iran's judiciary said Tuesday (Jan 14) arrests have been made for the accidental shootdown of a Ukrainian passenger plane that killed all 176 people on board just after takeoff from Tehran last week.

The announcement came amid an upswell of anger and protests by Iranians in recent days over the downing of the jetliner last Wednesday and apparent attempts by senior officials in Iran to cover up the cause of the crash.