Twisting Inquiry Into Buenos Aires Bombing Takes New Turn
Source: New York Times
Twisting Inquiry Into Buenos Aires Bombing Takes New Turn
By JONATHAN GILBERT
JAN. 31, 2016
BUENOS AIRES — For more than two decades, an investigation into the suicide bombing of a Jewish center here in 1994 that killed 85 people has faced setbacks and controversy. It caused an intractable rift between Argentina and Iran. A former president has been put on trial, accused of orchestrating a cover-up. And a prosecutor involved in the case died last year in murky circumstances.
But now, Argentina’s new government is pledging to finally get to the bottom of a case that cost the country about $3.5 million last year alone, and that took on a life of its own, swallowing up many who touched it.
President Mauricio Macri, who took office in December, has revamped the government department assigned to the bombing investigation and has vowed to introduce legislation that would allow for the trial of suspects in absentia.
. . .
Sergio Burstein, whose estranged wife died in the attack, said the government was acting prematurely by drafting the bill when the prosecutors who replaced Mr. Nisman seem far from concluding their investigation and are still trying to glean evidence from a trial involving a former president, Carlos Saúl Menem. Mr. Menem is accused of conspiring to conceal a possible Syrian connection to the bombing.
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/01/world/americas/argentina-inquiry-jewish-center-bombing-new-turn.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0
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