Updated Jan 14, 2020

Arrests announced over Iran plane downing as protests continue

Protesters hold flowers as riot police fire tear gas during a demonstration in front of Tehran's Amir Kabir University. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

Protesters stared down Iranian riot police in at least two cities as demonstrations over the downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane entered a third day, the New York Times reports.

Driving the news: Amid the protests, Iranian authorities announced the arrests of "some individuals" over the crash — without specifying who or how many — and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for the creation of a special court regarding the incident, per the AP.

Human rights groups believe Iranian forces killed hundreds of people protesting increased oil prices in November. Now, images shared online appear to show security forces using live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas on activists calling for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's resignation after the government admitted to accidentally shooting down the Ukrainian jet, killing 176 people.

Riot police use water cannon on protesters at Amir Kabir University. Demonstrations are being held outside universities in Tehran and the city of Isfahan, per the NYT. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

A man confronts riot police at Amir Kabir University. Protesters say officials issued "misleading statements" over the Ukrainian jet crash, per AP, which reports a government spokesman said: "We did not lie." Photo: AFP via Getty Images

A protester holds a placard stating in Farsi "Your mistake was unintentional, your lie was intentional" during a demonstration outside Amir Kabir University. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

Riot police stand guard as protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University. Al Jazeera reports protesters chanted slogans including "Clerics get lost!" Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

Protesters hold hands outside Amir Kabir University. Photo: STR/AFP via Getty Images

A protester holds an image of a Ukraine International Airlines plane crash victim during a demonstration in front of Amir Kabir University. Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images

Go deeper: Iran escalation ends in tragedy and outrage

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Orion Rummler

In photos: Lunar New Year celebrated around the world

Dragon dancers celebrate in Manila, Philippines, on Jan. 25. Photo: Jes Aznar/Getty Images

Over 1.5 billion people globally are celebrating the Lunar New Year on Saturday and into the weekend, USA Today reports, as participants honor ancestors, exchange gifts of good fortune, and toast to abundance.

The backdrop: Amid the celebrations, major Chinese cities Beijing and quarantined Wuhan are banned from large gatherings and travel that are ubiquitous with the holiday, due to the growing coronavirus crisis.

Go deeperJan 25, 2020

Rebecca Falconer

In photos: Trump delivers State of the Union address

Vice President Mike Pence claps as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appears to rip a copy of President Trump's speech after he delivers the State of the Union address at the Capitol on Tuesday. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump delivered his State of the Union address during what was an eventful night at the Capitol on Tuesday.

Details: From Trump appearing to snub House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's handshake before his address, to special guests appearances and Pelosi ripping up her copy of the president's speech at the end — here's how all the drama unfolded, in photos.

See photosFeb 5, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rebecca Falconer

In photos: Brazil heavy rain and floods kill dozens and displace 30,000

A flooded street from the overflowing of the Das Velhas River in Sabara, Brazil. Photo: Douglas Magno/AFP via Getty Images

Days of heavy rains, floods and landslides in southeast Brazil have killed at least 54 people and displaced 30,000 others, AP reports.

The big picture: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said the military had been mobilized
to help as over 100 cities had declared a state of emergency, per CNN. While rains were dissipating Monday, they're expected to return later this week in some places, AP notes.

See photosJan 28, 2020