1994 Jewish centre bombing: Iran rejects Argentina's request to arrest minister Ahmad Vahidi

Iran on Wednesday (Apr 24) rejectedArgentina'srequest to arrest Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi over his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured over 300 others. Argentina had soughtVahidi'sarrest inrecent weeks and it escalated efforts to condemn Iran and its overseas militant network for the alleged involvement in the bombing, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.

Without mentioningVahidi'sname,Iran'sforeign ministry on Wednesday warned Argentina against makingbaseless accusations against citizens of other countries. On Tuesday, Argentina demanded that Pakistanshouldacton an Interpol red notice to arrest Vahidi during an official visit to Islamabad.

On Wednesday, the Iranian interior minister cut short his government trip to Southeast Asia,making an unexpected return to Tehran.Vahidi is wanted by the Interpol.

Iran plotted the 1994 bombing: Argentinacourt

Till now, no one hasbeen convictedfor the 1994 bombing. However, earlier this month,Argentina'shighest criminal court ruled that Iran plotted the bombing. Judges had singled out three former Iranian officialsfor their involvement in the Jewish community centre attack, includingVahidiwhoat the time led the RevolutionaryGuard’sexpeditionary Quds Force.

The court also said Tehran was behind the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires that killed 29 people.

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Both these decisions were hailed by Israel.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokespersonNasser Kanani urged Argentina“not to be influenced by those who are enemies of our bilateral relations.”Iran has repeatedly denied any connection to the 1994 bombing.

Argentina requestsVahidi'sextradition

On Tuesday, Argentina said it had coordinated withdiplomats in Pakistan and India to requestVahidi’sdetention and extradition to Buenos Aires.“They continue to hold positions of power with total impunity,”a government statement said.

Hitting back, Kananiaccused Argentina of making“illegal and false requests”to defame Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)