THEY WERE - AMERICA

2019-2022

This ultra-conservative has been branded by critics as a misogynist, homophobe, and racist after reccurent declarations. Bolsonaro has been an outspoken Covid denier, and his refusal to take the virus seriously has been met with great criticism from the international community. He has been labeled the "Trump of the Tropics" due to his extreme right-wing views and his lack of regard for human rights. Among other hobbies, he is a champion of deforestation in the Amazon forest, which has been described as an ecological disaster that could cause irreparable damage to the environment. His insistence in cutting down the rainforest to make way for agricultural production has been met with fierce resistance from the  public. In 2024, he is under investigation for 'attempted coup d'état' and his passport has been seized.

1990-2000

He was convicted with crimes against humanity in 2009 for his role in the La Cantuta and Barrios Altos massacres. These were two separate incidents in which the Peruvian military (in the Colina Group), under the orders of Fujimori, killed a total of 25 innocent civilians. The victims were suspected of belonging to the Shining Path terrorist group, but there was no concrete evidence to support this. The Colina Group was also responsible for extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Fujimori's conviction served as a landmark case in international law, as it was the first time a democratically elected head of state was found guilty of crimes against humanity. Despite his controversial methods, many consider him as a strong leader who was able to bring stability and progress to Peru during his time in power. 

His release from prison in 2023, on humanitarian grounds, sparked outrage in the international community. He died in 2024.

1973-1990

He was a member of the Chilean military and was chairman of the military junta that overthrew, with the help of the USA, the democratically elected socialist president Salvador Allende in 1973. Pinochet consolidated power by eliminating his opponents and launching a reign of terror throughout Chile. He used secret police, censorship, and propaganda to control the Chilean people. He was responsible for the killing, torture, and disappearance of about 30,000 political opponents and dissidents. He also implemented severe economic policies, such as privatizing state-owned businesses and industries, which led to increased poverty and inequality. He also reversed many of the progressive reforms implemented by Allende, such as education, healthcare, and social security. He was accused of human rights violations and corruption and was eventually arrested in London in 1998. In 2006, the Chilean Supreme Court found Pinochet guilty of human rights violations and sentenced him to house arrest. 

1971-1986

Also known as 'Baby Doc,' he was the son of Haiti's former dictator, Francois Duvalier. During his reign, he implemented a brutal and authoritarian regime that is often considered one of the most oppressive in the history of Haiti. He used widespread corruption and violence to maintain his grip on power, silencing any opposition and controlling the media. His government was also known for the secret police force created by his father, the Tonton Macoutes (haitian mythology bogeyman), who were responsible for countless human rights abuses and disappearances. Furthermore, he enriched himself and his inner circle while the majority of the population lived in poverty and misery. He also suppressed any attempts at democracy, rigging elections and creating a personality cult around himself. These actions ultimately led to his overthrow in 1986. He died of a heart attack in 2014.

1982-1983

He was responsible for numerous human rights abuses, including the displacement and systemic abuse of the indigenous population, during his term as president of Guatemala. He was elected in 1982 and his rule was marked by political repression, corruption, and the implementation of a scorched-earth campaign that resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians. He was also implicated in the illegal enrichment of his own family and associates. He was also accused of using torture and arbitrary detention against its opponents and of committing war crimes against the Mayan population. He often used his power to bypass the country's constitution and impose his own laws. He also used the military to suppress dissent. He was eventually removed from office in 1983 and was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity in 2013 and sentenced to 80 years in prison. His reign, though short, was one of the darkest periods in Guatemala's history.

1976-1981

During his time as president of Argentina, he used any means necessary to remain in control, including censoring the media, suspending civil liberties, and incarcerating and torturing his political opponents. He also suppressed worker's rights, leading to a rise in poverty and a decline in economic prosperity. These tactics ultimately led to his downfall, as Videla was forced to resign in 1981 after years of widespread protest and civil unrest. In 1985, he was prosecuted for human rights abuse and crimes against humanity, including kidnappings and forced disappearance, torture and murder of political opponents. Between 15,000 to 30,000 political opponents vanished during this period.

1957-1971

Also known as 'Papa Doc,' he was the president of Haiti. He rose to power through a combination of political manipulation, fear tactics, and violence. He was known for his oppressive and authoritarian rule, earning him the title of dictator. He established a cult of personality centered around himself, portraying himself as a savior and protector of the Haitian people and incorporating elements of Haitian mythology. He used his secret police force, known as the Tonton Macoutes, to suppress any opposition and maintain control. He also implemented strict censorship laws, limiting freedom of speech and press, and used the country's resources for personal gain, amassing a large fortune while the majority of the population lived in poverty. Under his rule, Haiti became isolated from the international community and suffered from economic decline. These actions solidified Duvalier's reputation as a ruthless and oppressive dictator, leading to widespread disdain and fear among the Haitian people.

1930-1961

He used oppressive tactics to remain in power for over three decades. He manipulated elections, censored the press, and eliminated political opponents. He also created a secret police force to target those who spoke out against him. He used his dictatorial powers to amass wealth and control almost every aspect of Dominican society. He is also known for the Parsley Massacre, which took place in 1937 against the Haitian-Dominican community in the Dominican Republic, during which his military killed between 15,000 and 35,000 Haitians and Haitians of Dominican descent.