Judge orders arrest of former Argentine president

By Diego Carranza

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A federal judge in Argentina on Thursday ordered the pre-trial detention of former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner for allegedly covering up Iran’s role in the country’s deadliest terrorist attack.

The 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish center in Buenos Aires, that was carried out by a member of Hezbollah, killed 85 victims.

Judge Carlos Bonadio also ordered the arrest and detention of several other officials who served in Kirchner’s two administrations, including former Foreign Minister Hector Timmerman, who was given house arrest due to his health, and former presidential secretary Carlos Zanini.

Others detained include Muslim cleric Jorge "Yussuf" Khalil, Luis D'Elía, leader of the piquetero movement, and Fernando Esteche former leader of the Quebrancho political movement.

Kirchner’s case is now being handled by the Senate.

Bonadio accused Kirchner, who led the country from 2007-2015, of devising a “criminally orchestrated plan” to protect Iranian officials accused of playing a role in the bombing of the Jewish center.

Kirchner, who was sworn in as a senator on Nov. 29, along with former officials in her government, were accused by prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita of an “aggravated cover-up” of the bombing that is considered a crime against humanity.

The case is based on a complaint introduced by special prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who was found dead in his apartment in Buenos Aires on Jan. 18, 2015.

According to Nisman, who was investigating the bombing, Kirchner’s role included secret negotiations with Iranian officials to have arrest warrants issued by Interpol against them dismissed.

*Daniela Mendoza contributed to this story.