Image for Jorge Rafael Videla

Jorge Rafael Videla

Jorge Rafael Videla was an Argentine military officer who became the de facto President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 during a period known as the "Dirty War." This era was marked by state terrorism against suspected dissidents, leading to widespread human rights abuses, including kidnappings, torture, and murders. Videla's government sought to suppress political opposition and maintain control, often justifying violence as a means of combating terrorism. He was eventually tried and convicted for crimes against humanity, highlighting the importance of accountability for state-sponsored violence. Videla's legacy remains contentious in Argentina's history.