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Jorge Rafael Videla Quotes

Jorge Rafael Videla Redondo was a senior commander in the Argentine Army and dictator of Argentina from 1976 to 1981.

He came to power in a coup d'état that deposed Isabel Martínez de Perón. In 1985, two years after the return of a representative democratic government, he was prosecuted in the Trial of the Juntas for large-scale human rights abuses and crimes against humanity that took place under his rule, including kidnappings or forced disappearance, widespread torture and extrajudicial murder of activists and political opponents as well as their families at secret concentration camps. An estimated 13,000to 30,000 political dissidents vanished during this period. Videla was also convicted of the theft of many babies born during the captivity of their mothers at the illegal detention centres and passing them on for illegal adoption by associates of the regime. In his defence, Videla maintained the female guerrilla detainees allowed themselves to fall pregnant in the belief they wouldn't be tortured or executed. On 5 July 2010, Videla took full responsibility for his army's actions during his rule. "I accept the responsibility as the highest military authority during the internal war. My subordinates followed my orders," he told an Argentine court. Videla also sheltered many Nazi fugitives as did Juan Perón before him, Alfredo Stroessner from Paraguay and Hugo Banzer from Bolivia. He was under house arrest until 10 October 2008, when he was sent to a military prison.Following a new trial, on 22 December 2010, Videla was sentenced to life in a civilian prison for the deaths of 31 prisoners following his coup. On 5 July 2012, Videla was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the systematic kidnapping of children during his tenure. The following year, Videla died in the Marcos Paz civilian prison five days after suffering a fall in a shower.



Wikipedia  

✵ 2. August 1925 – 17. May 2013
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Jorge Rafael Videla: 8   quotes 2   likes

Famous Jorge Rafael Videla Quotes

“… yesterday’s enemies are in power and from there, they are trying to establish a Marxist regime.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

As quoted in Alexei Barrionuevo (23 December 2010). "Argentina: Ex-Dictator Sentenced in Murders". The New York Times.

“I want to clarify that Argentine citizens are not victims of the repression. The repression is against a minority that we do not consider Argentine.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

As quoted in Patricia Marchak (2004), Reigns of Terror, (Mcgill Queens Univ Press).

“There was no other alternative [to the disappearances]… [Military leaders] were in agreement that it was the price that must be paid to win the war against subversion and we needed that it not be obvious so society would not realize it. It was necessary to eliminate a large group of people who could not be brought to justice nor [openly] shot either.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

Videla in 2012, as quoted in Adam Bernstein (May 17 2013). "Jorge Rafael Videla, ruthless Argentine junta leader, dies at 87". The Washington Post.

“As many people as necessary must die in Argentina so that the country will again be secure.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

Videla in 1975, as quoted in Adam Bernstein (May 17 2013). "Jorge Rafael Videla, ruthless Argentine junta leader, dies at 87". The Washington Post.

“We consider it a great crime to work against the Western and Christian style of life: it is not just the bomber but the ideologist who is the danger.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

As quoted in Christopher Hitchens (2010), Hitch-22: A Memoir, (Atlantic Books).

“Let's say there were 7,000 or 8,000 people who had to die to win the war against subversion… We couldn't execute them by firing squad. Neither could we take them to court… For that reason, so as not to provoke protests inside and outside the country, the decision was reached that these people should be disappeared.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

As quoted in anon (May 18, 2013) "Argentine 'Dirty War' leader Jorge Rafael Videla dies". ABC News.

“[I take] full military responsibility for the actions of the army in the war against terrorism.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

As quoted in anon (May 18, 2013) "Argentine 'Dirty War' leader Jorge Rafael Videla dies". ABC News.

“The women giving birth, who I respect as mothers, were militants who were active in the machine of terror… Many used their unborn children as human shields.”

Jorge Rafael Videla

As quoted in anon (May 17, 2013) "Former Argentine dictator Jorge Rafael Videla dies in prison age 87". The Independent.

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