Iran announces arrests over downing of plane that killed 176

Associated Press,
TOPSHOT - Rescue teams work at the scene after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in the Iranian capital Tehran early in the morning on January 8, 2020, killing everyone on board. - All 176 people on board a Ukrainian passenger plane were killed when it crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran on January 8, Iranian state media reported. State news agency IRNA said 167 passengers and nine crew members were on board the aircraft operated by Ukraine International Airlines. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran says authorities have made arrests for the accidental shootdown of a Ukrainian passenger plane. The crash killed all 176 people on board. It also sparked protests in Iran demanding accountability, after officials initially concealed the cause of the crash. Iran’s judiciary said Tuesday that “some individuals” were arrested after “extensive investigations.” But he didn’t say how many individuals have been detained or name them. Also, Iran’s president has called for a special court to be set up to try those responsible. While he pointed to mistakes and negligence, he also repeated the government’s line that the plane tragedy was ultimately rooted in U.S. aggression.

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