Argentine military leader jailed for life

Thousands of Argentines gathered outside a court in Cordoba, north west of Buenos Aires to hear the sentencing of their former military ruler Jorge Videla.

When the news filtered out that the 85 year old would spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder and torture of thousands of dissidents it was greeted with chanting and cheers.

This was the first trial Videla had faced since Argentina’s Supreme Court ruled his previous pardon unconstitutional.

Before sentencing an unrepentant Videla addressed the court.

“ There is no doubt that the enemies defeated in the past completed their plans. Today they govern ourcountry and aim to name themselves champions in defence of human rights,” said Jorge Videla.

Several other police and army officers who had served alongside Videla during military rule in the late 1970s and early 80s were also on trial.

Videla who led the military coup has been accused of being the main architect of what has become known as Argentina’s “dirty war”. At least 30,000 people were eliminated.

In particular he is linked to the shooting of 31 prisoners pulled from their cells and shot while allegedly escaping.

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