Real Dictators: General Videla Part 2 - Mr Clean’s Dirty War

Episode Release Date: November 6, 2024
Host: Paul McGann
Production: Joel Duddell, Ed Baranski, Miriam Baines, Tom Pink, George Tapp, Dorry Macaulay, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Anisha Devadasan, Joseph McGann
Music Compositions by: Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink

1. The Coup and the Establishment of the Junta

On March 24, 1976, General Jorge Rafael Videla orchestrated a coup d'état that ousted President Isabel Martinez de Perron, known affectionately as Isabelita. Paul McGann narrates how Isabelita was swiftly removed from power, "whisked away by an Air Force helicopter" and placed under house arrest in the serene region of Patagonia. The military junta, comprising General Videla, General Orlando Ramon Agosti of the Air Force, and Navy Chief Admiral Emilio Eduardo Macera, seized control with precision. Robert Hill, the US Ambassador, lauded the coup, stating it as "probably the best executed and most civilized in Argentine history" (00:34).

2. Structure and Division of Power within the Junta

The junta was intentionally designed to balance power among its three leaders, with Videla positioned as the first leader. General Videla assured frequent leadership rotations to prevent any single individual from becoming too powerful. However, the reality quickly diverged as Videla assumed a dominant role. Professor Edward Brodney explains, "There are those who are advocating as early as mid, late 1975 that the military needs to seize power... Bedella kind of holds them all in check" (08:08).

3. Initial Reforms and Implementation of Martial Law

Upon taking power, the junta declared martial law, dismantling the People's Movement and initiating widespread surveillance across Argentina. Key actions included:

• Media Control: The junta took over national media outlets, including radio and television, ensuring their narratives prevailed (03:00).
• Legislative Changes: Congress was dissolved and replaced by a legislative council that rubber-stamped the junta's decisions without debate.
• Reinstatement of Harsh Laws: The death penalty was reinstated for offenses against military personnel, and war councils were established nationwide (06:00).

4. Repression: Disappearances and Torture

The military junta embarked on a brutal campaign to eliminate perceived subversive elements. This period, known as the "Dirty War," saw the establishment of approximately 800 secret detention centers across Argentina, where thousands were subjected to torture and "disappeared." Professor Fran Lesa highlights the pervasive nature of repression: "Sometimes it was theatrical. Sometimes people were taken in dead of night... Everyone knew someone who was disappeared" (23:06).

Sara Mendez's Testimony
A poignant account from Sara Mendez illustrates the horrors faced by detainees:

"They were stripped naked, beaten, and subjected to depraved torture. They were kept in darkness, hoods over their heads, and told by their torturers, 'here we are gods...'"
Sara Mendez (34:28)

5. Operation Condor and International Collaborations

Under Videla's leadership, Argentina became a central player in Operation Condor, a clandestine alliance with other South American dictatorships aimed at eliminating political opponents beyond national borders. Professor Fran Lesa elaborates:

"Plan Condor was a secret and transnational network... to more efficiently go after exiles of interest" (29:46).

This collaboration facilitated the transfer and assassination of dissidents, with over 70% of Operation Condor's crimes occurring on Argentine soil.

6. Videla's Leadership Style and Persona

General Videla, often referred to as "Mr. Clean" due to his spotless military record and unassuming appearance, diverged from the stereotypical image of a dictator. Robert Cox describes Videla:

"He was very pleasant, very edgy... reminded me of a rabbit who used to stamp his foot" (41:07).

Despite his calm demeanor, Videla was resolute in his belief that the military must safeguard Argentina's security and traditional values at any cost.

7. Resistance Movements: Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo

In response to the rampant disappearances, a group of women known as the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo emerged as silent protesters demanding information about their missing children. Narrator recounts their peaceful demonstrations:

"Fourteen women huddled around the pyramid in the center of the square... their silent protest will begin to resonate" (37:14).

Despite initial repression and indifference from the junta, their persistent activism brought international attention to the human rights abuses in Argentina.

8. International Reaction and US Policy Shift

Initially, the United States supported Videla's regime, viewing it as a bulwark against communism. However, the tide turned with the election of President Jimmy Carter:

• Amnesty International: An independent delegation found substantial evidence of disappearances, reporting at least 15,000 missing individuals (39:21).
• US Policy Change: In January 1977, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance drastically cut military aid to Argentina, citing human rights violations and presenting a list of 7,500 disappeared individuals. Professor Fran Lesa notes:

"Under Jimmy Carter, US had a policy of human rights which had an enormous effect and definitely saved lots of lives" (51:29).

9. Media Control and Public Perception

The junta meticulously controlled media narratives to project an image of legitimacy and stability. Professor Fran Lesa observes:

"They would read out military memorandum to the population to prove that the military is serving you... We are your ultimate moral reserve" (19:28).

However, international journalists like Robert Cox began uncovering the grim realities behind the controlled press, revealing the deep-seated repression.

10. Conclusion and Lead into Future Events

As Videla's regime continued its oppressive agenda, international condemnation grew, setting the stage for significant events like the 1978 FIFA World Cup. The episode concludes with the unsettling depiction of continued atrocities, including the murder of prominent figures like Asukena Vicheflor on December 20, 1977, underscoring the junta's ruthless determination to maintain power (47:59).

Notable Quotes:

• Robert Cox on Operation Condor:
  “Plan Condor was a secret and transnational network... to more efficiently go after exiles of interest” (29:46).

• Professor Fran Lesa on US Policy Shift:
  “Under Jimmy Carter, US had a policy of human rights which had an enormous effect and definitely saved lots of lives” (51:29).

• Sara Mendez on Torture:
  “They were stripped naked, beaten, and subjected to depraved torture... they were kept in darkness” (34:28).

Conclusion

This episode of Real Dictators meticulously unpacks the rise and reign of General Jorge Rafael Videla, highlighting the intricate mechanisms of his dictatorship, the widespread human rights abuses, and the international dynamics that both supported and eventually pressured his regime. Through eyewitness testimonies, expert analyses, and vivid narratives, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the dark chapter Argentina endured under Videla’s rule.

Next Episode Preview: The saga continues with Part Three of the Videla Story, delving into the 1978 FIFA World Cup and its implications for Argentina’s political landscape.