Jorge Videla
ArgentinaBiography of Jorge Videla
Jorge Rafael Videla Redondo was born on August 2, 1925, in Mercedes, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He enrolled in the National Military College (Colegio Militar de la Nación) on March 3, 1942, and graduated on December 21, 1944, as a second lieutenant.
Advancing in rank, Videla attended the War College from 1952 to 1954, graduating as a staff officer. He served in the Ministry of Defense from 1958 to 1960 and then became the director of the National Military College until 1962. In 1972, he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed by Alejandro Agustin Lanusse as the director of the National Military College.
In late 1973, Videla became the chief of staff of the army under the leadership of Leandro Anaya. In July and August 1975, he served as the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces. In August 1975, President Isabel Peron appointed Videla as the commander-in-chief of the Argentine Army.
Videla came to power during a state coup, overthrowing Isabel Martinez de Peron. His regime was marked by rampant human rights violations and crimes against humanity, including the abduction and disappearance of people, widespread use of torture, and murder of activists and political opponents, both real and suspected. Secret concentration camps operated under his regime.
Videla was placed under house arrest until October 10, 2008, when he was transferred to a military prison. On July 5, 2010, he took full responsibility for the actions of his army during his rule, stating in court, "As the representative of the highest military authority during the internal war, I take full responsibility. My subordinates followed my orders."
On December 22, 2010, Videla was sentenced to life imprisonment in a civilian prison for the death of the 31st prisoner following his state coup. Throughout his regime, an estimated 9,000 to 30,000 Argentinians disappeared and were likely killed. Many were illegally arrested, tortured, and deported. The Assembly for Human Rights (APDH) reported that a total of 12,261 people were killed or went missing during the "national rebirth" period.
During Videla's regime, Argentina launched the "Soberanía" operation to invade the southern tip of South America. This nearly led to a war with Chile, but the Peace and Friendship Treaty signed in 1984 recognized Chilean sovereignty.
Videla's regime faced protests and condemnation from various human rights organizations, including the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, led by Azucena Villaflor, who demonstrated for information about their missing children. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights condemned the Argentine government for numerous disappearances and abuses of power.
Videla relinquished power to Roberto Viola on March 29, 1981. Democracy was restored in 1983, and Videla was brought to trial and pleaded guilty. However, in 1990, President Carlos Menem pardoned Videla and other members of the military junta. In 1998, Videla was briefly imprisoned for 38 days after being found guilty of child abduction during the Dirty War. He was then placed under house arrest due to health problems.
On July 2, 2010, Videla was brought to trial again for the death of the 31st political prisoner during his rule, and three days later, he admitted his guilt. On December 22, 2010, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
