Inquiry On 1994 Blast At Argentina Jewish Center Gets New Life

July 17, 2009

Author: Alexei Barrionuevo

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/world/americas/18argentina.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y

In the 15 years since the bombing of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Association here, the deadliest terrorist attack in this country’s history, the case has become a symbol of the failings of Argentina’s judicial system.

Despite all the international attention, despite investigative help from Israel and the United States, no one has been convicted for the July 18, 1994, bombing of the community center, in which 85 people died and more than 300 were injured.

“This was clearly a test case,” said José Miguel Vivanco, the Americas director for Human Rights Watch. “And so far it really has not helped to establish any credibility for the justice system in Argentina.”

But suddenly, an investigation that former President Néstor Kirchner called a national disgrace has received new urgency and is again raising hopes among Jewish groups, though significant concerns about the inquiry remain.

In May, Argentina’s Supreme Court validated much of the evidence of the initial investigation, which had previously been ruled inadmissible after an investigative magistrate tried to bribe a witness. In its recent ruling, the court urged an “end to impunity” and emphasized the need for Argentina to finally solve the case.