Argentina’s top criminal court attributes responsibility to Iran for the 1994 A.M.I.A. Jewish center attack in Buenos Aires, labeling it a “crime against humanity.” The ruling, released 11 April 2024, clears the path for victims to pursue justice. Judges asserted that Hezbollah militants orchestrated the bombing, as part of a “political and strategic design.” This decision follows the deadliest attack in Argentina’s history, resulting in 85 fatalities and numerous injuries.

According to A.P. News, the ruling said “The significance of these grave human rights violations for the international community as a whole invokes a state’s duty to provide judicial protection.” Additional responses included, “I would never rule Iran out, it’s certainly on the list of suspects, but let’s do something specific to rule it in,” said Joe Goldman, who co-authored a book about the winding investigations into the Jewish community center attack as well as the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed more than 20 people in 1992. “That would be a serious investigation that we haven’t seen.”

While the recent ruling by Argentina’s highest criminal court marks a significant step towards justice, it’s met with a tempered response from Argentine rabbi and academic Dr. Fishel Szlajen. He echoes the sentiment that while the ruling breaks the judicial silence, it falls short of true celebration. Dr. Szlajen’s observation underlines a lingering frustration over the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for the attack, as the intellectual and material authors have evaded accountability for decades. Despite efforts like the 2013 memorandum of understanding between Argentina and Iran to establish a truth commission, which ultimately failed to materialize, justice remains elusive for the victims and their families.

In July 1994, a devastating explosion razed the Argentine-Israelite Mutual Association (A.M.I.A.) in Buenos Aires, resulting in 85 deaths and over 300 injuries. Official investigations attributed the bombing to a car bomb orchestrated by former Iranian officials, allegedly in collaboration with Hezbollah and local associates. Despite sustained efforts by authorities, including new indictments, no convictions have been secured in the three decades since the attack. Moreover, suspicions surround the mysterious death of the case’s chief investigator, adding complexity to the unresolved case.

Argentina’s top criminal court’s ruling holds Iran responsible for the 1994 A.M.I.A. Jewish center attack, labeling it a “crime against humanity.” This paves the way for victims to seek justice, emphasizing the global obligation to uphold human rights. While a significant step, this calls for more targeted investigations to establish accountability definitively. The decision marks progress in addressing this tragic event, but challenges remain in ensuring full justice and closure for the victims.