photo: Interpol
The International Criminal Police Organization Interpol has rejected a request by Iran to drop arrest warrants against five Iranian officials who are wanted by Argentina for their role in a 1994 bombing that killed 85 people.
Delegates at the world police body's annual general assembly in Marrakech voted by a two-thirds majority to uphold a unanimous decision taken in March by Interpol's Executive Committee to issue the wanted notices.
"The procedure was very clear and the outcome was that a large majority confirmed the decision of the executive committee," the chairman of Interpol's commission for the control of files, Peter Hustinx, told reporters after the vote. "It is a wise decision after a longtime," he added. Of the 146 member states attending the gathering, 78 voted to uphold Interpol's earlier decision, 14 voted against and 26 formally abstained. Argentinean prosecutors allege that Iran masterminded the bombing in Buenos Aires and entrusted Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to execute it.
The World Jewish Congress welcomed the vote by the Interpol General Assembly. WJC president Ronald S. Lauder declared: “This is a victory for the people of Argentina and for all those seeking to build a global community based on the rule of law, and free from fear or intimidation. Senior Iranian officials, including some known as ‘moderates’, have been implicated in this case, undermining those who argue that Iran’s intentions may be peaceful. The Interpol vote demonstrates what can be achieved when politics are left at the door and law enforcement is permitted to make its own determinations.”
WJC secretary-general Michael Schneider added: “In the face of a desperate lobbying campaign by Iran, including apparent financial incentives to a number of governments, Jewish community leaders and many others around the world exercised their rights as citizens and inquired of their own elected officials. The WJC was pleased to provide perspective and updates to our partner agencies and communities, also engaging our network of young professional leaders around the world in this effort.”
