Fact Check: 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals to be tried in absentia for AMIA bombing.

Fact Check: "10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals to be tried in absentia for AMIA bombing"

What We Know

On June 26, 2025, an Argentine judge ordered that ten individuals, specifically seven Iranians and three Lebanese nationals, face trial in absentia for their alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which resulted in the deaths of 85 people and injured over 300 others (AP News, The Guardian). This decision marks a significant shift in Argentine legal proceedings, as the country had previously prohibited trials in absentia, requiring defendants to be physically present (Reuters).

The suspects include prominent figures such as former Iranian officials and members of Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group. Among them are Ali Fallahian, a former Iranian Intelligence Minister, and Salman Raouf Salman, who is alleged to have coordinated the attack (The Guardian, AP News). The ruling was made by Judge Daniel Rafecas, who emphasized the necessity of this trial as a means to uncover the truth and provide a platform for victims' representatives (The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals will be tried in absentia is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press and The Guardian both confirm the judge's ruling and detail the identities of the accused, aligning with the information provided by Reuters and France24 (AP News, The Guardian, Reuters, France24).

Judge Rafecas's ruling is particularly noteworthy as it reflects a change in Argentine law, which previously did not allow for trials without the defendants' presence. This legal adjustment was pushed forward by President Javier Milei, who has been a vocal critic of Iran and a supporter of Israel, indicating a political context that may influence the proceedings (AP News, The Guardian).

While the Argentine government has long accused Iran and Hezbollah of orchestrating the bombing, Iran has consistently denied any involvement (The Guardian). The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has criticized Argentina for its handling of the investigation, suggesting that the state failed to adequately prevent or investigate the attack, which adds a layer of complexity to the trial (The Guardian).

The credibility of the sources reporting on this claim is high, as they include established news organizations known for their investigative journalism and coverage of international affairs.

Conclusion

The claim that 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals will be tried in absentia for the AMIA bombing is True. The ruling by Judge Rafecas, supported by multiple credible sources, confirms that these individuals will face trial despite their absence, marking a significant development in a case that has remained unresolved for over three decades.

Fact Check: 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals to be tried in absentia for AMIA bombing.