Argentine judge dismisses Nisman accusations against Kirchner in AMIA case

The charge that the Argentine president and other government officials covered up Iran’s role in the 1994 bombing cannot be sustained by the evidence collected, the judge ruled.

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) — A federal judge in Argentina dismissed the complaint against President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner that she covered up Iran’s role in the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing.

Daniel Rafecas in a 62-page ruling on Thursday said the accusation against Kirchner and other government officials cannot be sustained by the evidence collected.

The complaint filed by state prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita was based on evidence presented by his predecessor, the late Alberto Nisman. Pollicita, who can appeal Rafecas’ decision, earlier this month charged that Kirchner ordered her Foreign Ministry to sign a pact with Iran to ignore Iran’s responsibility in the Buenos Aires Jewish center attack in exchange for commercial benefits.

Pollicita based the document on the 290-page complaint drafted by Nisman, who was found dead on Jan. 16, hours before he was to present allegations to Congress about Kirchner, Foreign Minister Hector Timerman and others.

Rafecas, who has a relationship with the Jewish community, was chosen by lottery earlier this month to review the allegations that Kirchner covered up Iran’s involvement in the  AMIA attack, which left 85 dead and hundreds injured.

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