The court ruled that Videla was guilty of crimes against humanity, according to AFP. "Videla … is a manifestation of state terrorism," Judge Maria Elba Martinez said, AFP reports.
Under Videla’s rule an estimated 30,000 people, mainly political opponents, were murdered according to rights groups. Videla himself has defended the crackdown, which has become known as the “Dirty War.”
"I don't talk about a dirty war. I prefer to talk about a fair war," Videla said in court according to Reuters. Videla has spent the last years either in jail or under house arrest.
