Argentina advances trial in absentia for 1994 AMIA bombing suspects

Argentine judicial authorities have taken significant steps toward a historic trial in absentia regarding the 1994 AMIA bombing, which killed 85 people and injured over 150. Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas has processed eight individuals—seven Iranian citizens and one Lebanese national—for their alleged roles in the attack.

The investigation has reconstructed the event as an international terrorist operation coordinated between Iran and the Lebanese organization Hezbollah. The legal charges include homicide and injury aggravated by racial or religious hatred, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Among those processed are high-ranking officials, including former Iranian intelligence and foreign ministers, as well as Mohsen Rabbani, a former cultural advisor at the Iranian Embassy in Argentina. Judge Rafecas has also ordered an embargo of $500 million USD against each of the eight accused.

Following a recent ruling by the Federal Chamber rejecting unconstitutionality claims from the official defense, the case is moving toward a formal trial requirement. The next steps involve potential appeals by the defense and the designation of an oral court to preside over the proceedings.