3,000 "terrorists" arrested for recent "riots" in Iran: media

TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 3,000 "terrorists" involved in recent "riots" in Iran have been detained so far, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Friday, citing Iranian security officials.

The detainees include main leaders of the "riots," those affiliated with Israel, armed individuals, "rioters" who damaged public property, and those involved in killing Iranians, Tasnim reported, adding that Iran has been calm over the past days despite bids "to refuel the riots."

Protests erupted since late December in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the rial. Authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest.

Initially held peacefully, the protests gradually became violent, leading to casualties and damage to public property, mosques, government buildings and banks, especially on Jan. 8 and 9, for which Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel.■