Pinochet family has bail approved

SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Bail was approved for family members of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet who were arrested on charges relating to the deceased strongman's accounts.

Among those detained were Pinochet's widow and a number of former associates.

The bail decision by Chilean courts applies to all 23 suspects, El Merucio newspaper reported Sunday.

Chilean authorities allege money misappropriated from state coffers was deposited in numerous U.S. banks, including Riggs Banks in Washington, which eventually was bought out by PNC Bank.

Though Pinochet never served time for his alleged crimes, he was accused of ordering the deaths of left-wing dissidents during his tenure. In all, about 3,000 people were believed killed by the Pinochet regime between 1973 and 1990.