Argentina's justice system speeds up AMIA bombing trial decision after victim protests

Families of victims of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Argentina protested the justice system's delays on the 32nd anniversary of the attack. Osvaldo Armoza, head of AMIA, directly called on judges Diego Barroetaveña, Javier Carbajo, and Ángela Ledesma to "urgently and definitively resolve the validity of the trial in absentia" for the accused.

Amidst chants of "Justice, 32 years already!" from victims' families, Judge Diego Barroetaveña, who was present at the commemoration, appeared to respond to the pressure. Sources indicate he communicated via chat with Judge Ángela Ledesma from the event itself to expedite the process of appointing a replacement judge. The subrogancy of Judge Carbajo had expired, necessitating a new appointment.

Following the communication, Ledesma, who presides over the chamber, requested Barroetaveña to conduct a lottery for Carbajo's replacement. The draw selected Carlos "Coco" Mahiques, son of the current Minister of Justice, Juan Bautista Mahiques. The court has scheduled a hearing for September 10, a date seen as symbolic before the Jewish New Year, to address the trial in absentia. A final decision is anticipated shortly after.