This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7030827.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pinochet family released on bail Pinochet family released on bail
(20 minutes later)
Relatives of Chile's former military leader, Gen Augusto Pinochet, have been released on bail after their arrest on charges of embezzlement on Thursday. Relatives of Chile's former military leader, Gen Augusto Pinochet, have been released on bail a day after their arrest on charges of embezzlement.
His widow and five children are accused of illegally transferring $27m (£13.2m) to foreign bank accounts during the general's rule between 1973 and 1990.His widow and five children are accused of illegally transferring $27m (£13.2m) to foreign bank accounts during the general's rule between 1973 and 1990.
Seventeen other suspects, including aides to Gen Pinochet, were released. Sixteen other suspects were also granted conditional release.
The general died in December 2006 before he could stand trial on charges of corruption and human rights abuses.The general died in December 2006 before he could stand trial on charges of corruption and human rights abuses.
More than 3,000 people were killed or "disappeared" during his military rule.More than 3,000 people were killed or "disappeared" during his military rule.
Aides implicated
Judge Carlos Cerda, who authorised the releases, is investigating a case in which Gen Pinochet allegedly hid funds with the help of Washington-based Riggs bank.
RIGGS CASE 2004 US probe into Riggs bank found Gen Pinochet held up to $8m in secret accounts there Accounts alleged to have been opened in names of his widow, children and associatesFurther investigations found former ruler held some $27m in foreign accountsGen Pinochet charged with tax evasion and using false passports to open accounts abroadHis lawyers say fortune gained legally through savings, donations and accrued interest
Suspects include Gen Pinochet's former personal secretary, Monica Ananias, and his lawyer Gustavo Collao.
At least three retired army generals - Jorge Ballerino, Guillermo Garin and Hector Letelier - were also charged.
In 2004 a US Senate investigation found hundreds of bank accounts in the name of Pinochet and his relatives at the bank. He was being investigated for tax evasion, fraud and embezzlement in relation to those funds.
His immunity from prosecution was stripped in 2000, sparking years of legal wrangling to try to bring him to trial for alleged human rights abuses and tax fraud.
His lawyers said he was unable to defend himself for health reasons.
In 2006, Gen Pinochet died of a heart attack aged 91 while under house arrest.