Augusto Pinochet Ugarte was a Chilean general and politician who ruled Chile as a dictator from 1973 to 1990. He seized power after leading a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected socialist government of President Salvador Allende. His 17-year regime was marked by severe human rights violations, including thousands of executions and forced disappearances, alongside implementing radical free-market economic policies. After stepping down from power, he faced numerous legal challenges for corruption and human rights abuses until his death in 2006.