Argentina's highest criminal court has made a significant development in the investigation of the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. The court concluded that Iran had planned the attack, while Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group executed the plans. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 85 people, injuries to 300, and severe damage to Latin America's largest Jewish community.
The court's ruling stated that the attack was in retaliation for Argentina reneging on a nuclear cooperation deal with Tehran. It deemed the bombing a 'crime against humanity' and paved the way for victims' families to pursue legal action against Iran. Despite Iran denying involvement and Interpol warrants leading nowhere, the court emphasized the duty of states to provide judicial protection in cases of grave human rights violations.
While the court's decision was not surprising given Argentina's long-held belief in Iran's responsibility, some critics found the lack of concrete evidence troubling. The ruling implicated top Iranian officials and Revolutionary Guard commanders based on confidential intelligence reports, linking the bombings to Argentina's cancellation of nuclear technology contracts in the 1980s.
Israel has urged Argentina to declare the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization in light of the ruling. Past investigations into the bombings have led to indictments against Iranian officials and former Argentine presidents. The case has been marred by scandals, including the mysterious death of the chief prosecutor in 2015.
Argentina's Jewish community, which includes around 230,000 Jews, welcomed the court ruling as historic. However, for the families of the victims, the ruling serves as a painful reminder of their ongoing quest for justice and closure.
As the 30th anniversary of the bombing approaches, the case remains open, with hopes that complete justice and truth will eventually prevail.
