Foundation for Defense of Democracies names award for Nisman

First recipient is Robert Morgenthau, a former district attorney in Manhattan

By JTA 20 February 2015, 9:11 am

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Women hold placards that read 'Justice' and 'I Am Nisman' during a rally in front of the headquarters of the AMIA memorial in Buenos Aires on January 21, 2015, to protest against the death of Argentine public prosecutor Alberto Nisman. (photo credit: AFP/Alejandro PAGNI)

WASHINGTON — The Foundation for Defense of Democracies named an honor for Alberto Nisman, the late Argentine prosecutor who investigated the 1994 AMIA Jewish center bombing.

“This award is intended to recognize men and women who — like Alberto Nisman — relentlessly pursue justice for the victims of terrorism, and who risk their own lives protecting the innocent from the forces of hatred and intolerance,” Clifford May, the foundation’s president, said in a statement. “It is our honor and privilege to help preserve Alberto’s legacy and keep his memory alive.”

Nisman, 51, the special prosecutor in the AMIA bombing, was found dead in his Buenos Aires home on Jan. 18, hours before he was to present evidence to Argentine lawmakers that President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and other government officials covered up Iran’s role in the attack.

The bombing of the Buenos Aires center killed 85 and left hundreds injured. Hezbollah is believed to have carried out the attack. Iran denies helping the terrorist group in the planning.

Alberto Nisman gives a news conference in Buenos Aires on May 20, 2009. photo credit: AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA)

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank that has consulted closely with the U.S. administration and Congress on Iran issues, noted Nisman’s work in exposing Iran’s activities in Latin America.

The Nisman award’s first recipient is Robert Morgenthau, 95, who from 1974 to 2009 was the district attorney in Manhattan. In that capacity he prosecuted national security cases and helped enforce Iran sanctions. He will receive the award on April 15 at the foundation’s annual Washington forum.