(Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2022)—B’nai B’rith President Seth Riklin and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International welcomes the Organization of American States (OAS) resolution condemning the recent presence of Iranian official and AMIA building bombing suspect Mohsen Rezai at the inauguration of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua.

Rezai has an Interpol warrant against him for his central role in the planning of the 1994 bombing of the building of the AMIA Jewish center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds.
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The OAS resolution, sponsored by the United States and Argentina, urges not only the authorities of Nicaragua but also all the members of the Inter-American system and the authorities of Interpol, to respect the arrest warrants and act accordingly.

It is unacceptable for Rezai to be able to travel freely without facing arrest. We welcome the OAS resolution but also urge the Argentine authorities to reconsider the authorization of the trial-in-absentia procedure in Argentina, which would make it possible for the people accused of this heinous crime to be judged, even if they continue to avoid Argentine justice.

This would bring some closure to the survivors of the attack as well as the relatives of the victims and make sure the Interpol red alerts do not fall. The perpetrators of the AMIA bombing have eluded justice for too long and the time to act is now.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.