Ahmad Araghchi, who some media reports had said was dismissed as deputy governor of Iran's central bank after a wide public outcry and street protests over the rapid fall of Iran’s currency, is one of seven people arrested for alleged economic crimes, according to Reuters.
The rial has lost about half of its value since April because of a weak economy and heavy demand for dollars among Iranians who fear the effects of crippling sanctions by the United States. A spokesman for the Iranian judiciary told state television that a person working in a government department headed by an unnamed deputy of President Hassan Rouhani, four unauthorized foreign exchange dealers and an employee of an exchange shop were also arrested. 29 people have been arrested on charges that carry the death penalty.