Argentina includes former Iranian official in AMIA bombing trial

Argentine Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas has included Alí Asghar Hejazi in the trial in absentia regarding the 1994 AMIA terrorist bombing, which killed 85 people and injured 300. Hejazi, a former close aide to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is accused of serving as the head of a secret committee that planned and coordinated the attack.

Special Prosecutor Sebastián Basso alleges that the decision to strike the Jewish community center was made in August 1993 by a secret committee known as ‘Vijeh’. The prosecution claims Hejazi traveled to Buenos Aires in March 1993 to supervise the operation and ensure its viability. The investigation suggests the attack was authorized by the Iranian National Security Council and executed through directives sent to Hezbollah.

Due to Hejazi’s “obstructive attitude” and lack of cooperation, the court declared him a fugitive and requested an Interpol red notice. The charges against the accused may be classified as crimes against humanity and genocide. The Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation must now decide whether to officially authorize the trial in absentia, which would set a significant judicial precedent in Argentina.