World

Iran announces arrests in Saudi Embassy attack

A spokesman for Iran's judiciary says that about 100 suspects were arrested, with some later released, following an attack on Saudi Arabia's Embassy in Tehran.
Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during a protest denouncing the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent opposition Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, seen in posters, in front of the Saudi Embassy, in Tehran on Jan. The demonstration turned violent later, with protesters looting and burning the Saudi embassy. (Vahid Salemi/Associated Press)

A spokesman for Iran's judiciary says that about 100 suspects were arrested, with some later released, following an attack on Saudi Arabia's Embassy in Tehran.

Iran's state TV Sunday quoted spokesman Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi announcing the arrests, which he said took place after the January attacks. He did not give further details.

It is unusual for Iran to publicly announce arrests following such incidents.

Protesters set fire to the Saudi embassy in Tehran and attacked its consulate in another Iranian city in response to the kingdom's execution of a prominent Shia cleric on Jan 2.

The protests provoked Saudi Arabia to cut diplomatic ties with Iran, escalating tensions between the longtime regional rivals.