New probe for Jewish centre bombing ‘cover-up’ by ex Argentina president
Renewed investigation into allegation that Cristina Fernandez had a connection with the perpetrators of the deadly attack in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people
An Argentine court has ordered a renewed investigation into a prosecutor’s accusation that former president Cristina Fernandez covered up the alleged involvement of Iranians in a 1994 attack against a Jewish community centre.
The bombing of the centre in Buenos Aires killed 85 people and wounded hundreds of others.
Iran has denied any connection with the attack and declined to turn over the suspects in the case.
In its ruling, the country’s top criminal tribunal accepted a request by a delegation of Argentine Jewish associations to re-examine the charge Alberto Nisman made on January 14 2015 against Ms Fernandez, her foreign minister Hector Timerman and other officials in her government.
Mr Nisman was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head four days later. Authorities never determined if he was killed or took his own life.
Ms Fernandez was president from 2007-2015. She has denied wrongdoing in the case.
The former president blames the accusation on what she says is the bias of judges following the orders of her successor, President Mauricio Macri, who took office in December 2015.
Santiago Kaplun, secretary general of the delegation of Jewish organisations, welcomed the court ruling, telling the Todo Noticias cable television channel that “we are very hopeful”.
The ruling adds to legal complications for the former leader.
On Tuesday, a federal judge approved charges of illicit association and fraudulent administration against Ms Fernandez and two former aides: ex-planning minister Julio de Vido and former public works secretary Jose Lopez.
They are accused of misusing public money by paying inflated prices for public works contracts.
Ms Fernandez also denies wrongdoing in that case.
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