In addition, a general from the Pinochet secret police, known as DINA, and one of his operatives are being held on charges that they took part in the 1974 assassination in Buenos Aires of Carlos Prats, Pinochet's predecessor as chief of the armed forces.
Argentina has asked for their extradition, but the Chilean judges have indicated a preference that they be tried here.
The current military leadership, eager to improve the image of the armed forces, has also been working behind the scenes to resolve outstanding scores.
Lagos' comprehensive new human rights proposal, announced last month, is expected to be submitted to Congress next month. It calls for more judges to investigate rights cases and for increased efforts to recover and identify bodies of victims from the Pinochet era, but its main feature is a calibrated, carrot-and-stick approach to dealing with human rights offenders.
Under the plan, low-ranking military or civilian officials who come forward with information about instances in which people disappeared or were tortured or executed and who describe their role in such cases can be granted immunity from prosecution.
The sentences of some higher-ranking offenders could be reduced in return for such testimony, but it is intended to build criminal cases against the top brass of the military and intelligence apparatus who gave orders to kill and torture.
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