Argentina’s Senate Approves Historic “Trial in Absentia” Law to Prosecute Serious Crimes Without Defendants Present
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With 45 votes in favor and 22 against, the measure received broad support from political blocs, including La Libertad Avanza, PRO, the Radical Civic Union, and Las Provincias Unidas, while Union for the Homeland showed divided support. Feb 20, 2025 Photo: @SenadoArgentina
February 20, 2025 Hour: 11:02 pm
One of the most relevant applications of this law could be the trial of Iranians accused of the AMIA bombing, which tragically killed 85 people and injured over 300 more than three decades ago.
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In a historic session, Argentina’s Senate approved the “Trial in Absentia” bill, which allows individuals accused of serious crimes to be tried without their presence in court.
With 45 votes in favor and 22 against, the measure received broad support from political blocs, including La Libertad Avanza, PRO, the Radical Civic Union, and Las Provincias Unidas, while Union for the Homeland showed divided support.
This law becomes a key tool for addressing cases involving crimes against humanity, genocide, forced disappearances, war crimes, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The legislation establishes that trials can proceed even if the accused does not appear, representing a significant step forward in the fight against impunity for heinous crimes.
One of the most relevant applications of this law could be the trial of Iranians accused of the AMIA bombing, which tragically killed 85 people and injured over 300 more than three decades ago.
Thanks to this new provision, the accused can now be tried in absentia, potentially opening new avenues for justice in this emblematic case.
The law also stipulates that the accused has the right to defend themselves, either through a lawyer of their choice or a public defender. However, this defense must ensure the effectiveness of the process and not obstruct its normal progression.
The approval of the Trial in Absentia law marks a milestone in Argentina’s judicial system, providing an additional tool to address the non-appearance of defendants who are fugitives or have been declared in contempt of court.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Agencies