He was under investigation in Argentina for aggravated homicide and crimes against humanity committed during the 1976 Vitoria massacre,[1][2] and was indicted in 2021,[3] but not found guilty in September 2022.

[10] He was appointed interior minister in the first cabinet of Adolfo Suárez on 5 July 1976, succeeding Manuel Fraga in the post.

Following the election he retained his post as interior minister, being responsible for internal security, local administration, and civil rights.

[15] On 6 April 1979, Martín Villa's term as interior minister ended, and he was succeeded by Antonio Ibáñez Freire.

[10] Martín Villa was specifically accused of ordering the execution of five workers during a labour strike in Vitoria in March 1976.

[10] In September 2022, the Argentine court decided by a vote of 2 to 1 that the charge of crimes against humanity levelled at Martín Villa should be annulled.