Argentina to Try Iranians in Absentia for 1994 AMIA Bombing

An Argentine federal judge has ordered the prosecution of eight individuals, seven Iranian citizens and one Lebanese citizen, for their alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. The attack, which occurred on July 18, 1994, resulted in 85 deaths and 151 injuries. Judge Daniel Rafecas's decision, detailed in a 600-page ruling, moves the case forward under a law that permits trials even when defendants are abroad, ensuring their right to defense.

Judicial investigation revealed that the perpetrators acquired a Renault Trafic van on July 10, 1994, modified it with approximately 300 kilograms of explosives, and parked it near the AMIA building. The vehicle was detonated during peak morning hours on July 18. Judge Rafecas has classified the bombing as a crime against humanity, with the accused facing charges of murder and grievous bodily harm motivated by racial or religious hatred, and endangering the public.

The court has also ordered the preventive seizure of assets totaling $500 million USD for each defendant. The ruling states that the decision to carry out the attack was made in August 1993 by high-ranking Iranian officials and was entrusted to Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian organization based in Lebanon. The operation was reportedly coordinated through a network in the Tri-Border Area.

Among those indicted are former Iranian Minister of Intelligence Ali Fallahijan, former Foreign Minister Ali Velayati, former IRGC Commander Mohsen Rezai, and former IRGC Quds Force Commander Ahmad Vahidi. Others accused include former Iranian Ambassador to Argentina Hadi Soleimanpour, cultural advisor Mohsen Rabbani, and IRGC intelligence agent Ahmad Asghari, all allegedly using their diplomatic roles to facilitate the plot. Lebanese national Salman Raouf Salman, linked to Hezbollah, is identified as the coordinator of the attack's final phase. The indictments can be appealed by the public defender.