Gen. Augusto Pinochet's widow, children and associates were released on bail Oct. 6, two days after their arrest on corruption charges.

The two sons and three daughters of the late dictator walked out of prison and went straight to the Santiago Military Hospital to see their mother, Lucia Hiriart, who has been treated there for high blood pressure since her arrest.

On Oct. 4, Judge Carlos Cerda ordered their arrests on charges of misuse of state funds during the 1973-1990 dictatorship.

Judge Juan Eduardo Fuentes said a three member-panel unanimously agreed to allow 23 relatives and associates of the former dictator to be freed and set bail ranging from $200 to $590. In addition to Pinochet's relatives, the indicted included 17 former aides, with six retired army generals among them.