Single Event

Description

On July 18, 1994, a truck carrying explosives detonated next to the Jewish Community Center (AMIA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The explosion killed 85 people and injured approximately 300 others, marking one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Argentine history.

Legal Background:
1994 – Immediate Response
In the aftermath of the attack, Argentine authorities began an extensive investigation. Initial evidence pointed to the involvement of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group, said to be operating under the direction of the Iranian government.

2003 – Arrest Warrants Issued
Argentine judicial authorities issued arrest warrants for several Iranian officials including:

Ahmad Vahidi,
Mohsen Rezaei,
Ali Fallahian,
Mohsen Rabbani,
Ahmad Reza Asghari, and
Most recently, Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran

2006 – Formal Charges
On October 25, 2006, Argentine prosecutors Alberto Nisman and Marcelo Martínez Burgos officially accused the Iranian government of ordering the bombing, alleging that Hezbollah Lebanon carried out the attack at Iran’s direction.

Interpol Red Notices
Interpol issued red notices for Ahmad Vahidi, Mohsen Rezaei, Ali Fallahian, Mohsen Rabbani, and Ahmad Reza Asghari, designating them as internationally wanted for their alleged roles in the attack at the request of Argentina. Initial warrants have expired and a select number have been renewed through 2027.

2022 – International Statements
On July 18, 2022, the Israeli embassy in the United States issued a statement affirming the direct involvement of Iranian government officials, reiterating that Hezbollah Lebanon executed the attack "under orders from Tehran."

2023 – Judgment
In 2023, Argentina’s highest criminal court delivered a final ruling, confirming that Hezbollah was responsible for the AMIA bombing and acted with logistical and financial support from the Iranian government. This judgment is final and not subject to appeal.

2024 – Trial in Absentia Ordered
Based on recent court documents, an Argentine federal judge ordered the trial in absentia of ten suspects under Argentina’s new law allowing prosecution in severe crimes such as terrorism, genocide, and crimes against humanity without the defendant’s presence.

The individuals include:
Ahmad Vahidi
Alí Fallahijani
Alí Akbar Velayati
Mohsen Rezaei
Hadi Soleimanpour
Mohsen Rabbani
Ahmad Reza Asghari
Salman Raouf Salman
Abdallah Salman
Hussein Mounir Mouzannar

International Crimes:
Crime against humanity:
The deliberate bombing of the AMIA center, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and significant casualties, has been said to amount to a crime against humanity. Crimes against humanity include large-scale or systematic attacks against civilians, as defined in Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The coordinated attack on a non-military target with clear political motivations, especially considering the findings of the Argentine judicial authorities that Hezbollah, Lebanon, acted on the orders of the Iranian government, could be deemed as such.

This bombing, as an act of terrorism at the international level, involves the intentional use of violence against civilians to achieve political or ideological goals. Hezbollah Lebanon bombing at the direction of Iran aligns with the definition of terrorism in international law. The issuance of a red notice and international arrest warrants for Iranian officials involved in the attack by Interpol further strengthens this matter.

Conspiracy and financing of terrorism:
The Argentine court's judgment indicates that Iran, through its financial support of Hezbollah Lebanon, is accused of a conspiracy to commit terrorism and providing financial resources for terrorism.

Legal and diplomatic considerations:
Violation of international human rights laws:
This bombing, which resulted in the death of 85 people and the injury of 300 others, constitutes a serious violation of international human rights laws and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The attack on a non-military target, accompanied by evidence of state-sponsored terrorism, raises serious concerns about the responsibility of the government in committing and assisting in the violation of human rights.

Responsibility of government officials:
The involvement of high-ranking Iranian officials, as mentioned in the arrest warrants and red notices, points to state-sponsored terrorism. The Argentine court's ruling and international arrest warrants necessitate diplomatic and legal actions to ensure accountability for the government officials' support of terrorist activities.

The 1994 AMIA bombing constitutes a serious violation of international laws, including crimes against humanity, terrorism, and conspiracy. The final judgment of the Argentine judiciary accuses Hezbollah and the Iranian government and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to hold them accountable. The consequences of the bombing, including Interpol red notices and ongoing diplomatic efforts, highlight the global importance of seeking justice for the victims of this tragic attack.

Accountability efforts are ongoing in abstentia. INTERPOL Red Notices remain valid through 2027, with the possibility of extension.