Argentina to Hold AMIA Bombing Trial in Absentia

An Argentine judge, Daniel Rafecas, has ordered the first-ever trial in absentia of 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals, including former Iranian officials and diplomats, for their alleged roles in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 and injured over 300. The move follows new legislation allowing such trials for fugitives, championed by President Javier Milei. Argentina, Israel, and the United States attribute the attack to Hezbollah, allegedly acting on Iran's orders, but both Iran and Hezbollah deny involvement and have refused extradition. No suspects have been arrested, and international warrants have failed to secure their detention. Rafecas cited the 'material impossibility' of bringing the accused to Argentina and the crime's classification as a crime against humanity. The ruling comes amid Argentina's increased diplomatic alignment with Israel and the United States.