Jorge Rafael Videla was an Argentine military officer who served as the de facto President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981. He came to power during a military coup that overthrew the government of Isabel Perón, marking the beginning of the Dirty War, a period characterized by state terrorism and human rights abuses against suspected political dissidents. Under Videla's leadership, thousands of people were forcibly disappeared, and many were tortured or killed. His regime aimed to eliminate leftist opposition and maintain control over the country. After the return of democracy in 1983, Videla was tried and convicted for his role in these crimes against humanity.