Argentina Upholds In-Absentia Trial for Iranian and Lebanese Suspects in 1994 AMIA Bombing

Appeals Court Ratifies Landmark Decision

Argentina's federal appeals court has upheld a decision to proceed with an in-absentia trial for 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals suspected of involvement in the 1994 AMIA Jewish community center bombing. The Buenos Aires City Federal Appeals Court, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, ratified the ruling by Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas, confirming that the accused will face trial even without their physical presence in the country. Judges Martín Irurzun and Mariano Llorens confirmed the order, marking a significant step in the decades-long pursuit of justice for the attack.

The Devastating 1994 AMIA Bombing

The AMIA bombing, which occurred on July 18, 1994, targeted the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. A bomb-laden van was driven into the building and detonated, resulting in the deaths of 85 people and injuring over 300 others. This remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Argentine history. Argentine and Israeli investigators have long asserted that the attack was orchestrated by the Iranian regime and carried out by its proxy, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Iran has consistently denied any involvement.

A New Legal Pathway to Justice

The decision to hold an in-absentia trial represents an unprecedented move for the Argentine court system. Until March 2025, Argentine law did not permit trials for serious criminal cases, such as terrorism or crimes against humanity, unless the defendants were physically present. The Argentine Congress approved a 'trial in absentia' law four months prior to the federal judge's initial order, providing the legal mechanism to overcome this obstacle. Judge Rafecas emphasized that an in-absentia trial is 'essential to prevent the perpetuation of impunity' and allows the court to 'at least try to uncover the truth and reconstruct what happened.'

Indicted Suspects and International Warrants

The 10 individuals facing trial include former high-ranking Iranian officials and Hezbollah members for whom Argentina has issued international arrest warrants. Among those indicted are:

• Ali Fallahijan, former Iranian intelligence minister
• Ali Akbar Velayati, former Iranian foreign minister
• Mohsen Rezaee, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
• Ahmad Vahidi, former Quds Force commander and current IRGC commander
• Hadi Soleimanpour, former Iranian ambassador to Argentina
• Ahmad Reza Asghari, former Iranian diplomat
• Mohsen Rabbani, former cultural attaché at the Iranian embassy
• Salman Raouf Salman, Abdallah Salman, and Hussein Mounir Mouzannar, identified as Hezbollah members

Broader Implications and Context

This development follows a 2024 ruling by an Argentine appeals court that formally declared the AMIA bombing a 'crime against humanity' and labeled Iran a 'terrorist state.' The court also linked the 1992 truck bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, which killed 29 people, to Tehran. The advancement of the AMIA case has been a key objective for Argentina, with President Javier Milei expressing strong support for justice in the matter.