AKIPRESS.COM - The former president of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been arrested for inciting unrest against the government, media reports say.

The ex-leader was apprehended during a visit to the western city of Busehehr on December 28, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi.

The newspaper reported that Ahmadinejad said: 'Some of the current leaders live detached from the problems and concerns of the people, and do not know anything about the reality of society.'

It is also claimed he said Iran was suffering 'mismanagement' and that President Hassan Rouhani's government 'believes that they own the land and that the people are an ignorant society', AFP reported.

It comes after more than a week of unrest in Iran, as demonstrators took to the streets to protest against the government. 

The unrest was sparked by a hike in food prices amid soaring unemployment

At least 21 people have been killed, and hundreds have been arrested. 

Pro-government rallies were held in response with officials blaming the anti-government unrest on foreign meddling.