Lori Berenson: On Trial In Peru

In November 1995, Lori Berenson was forcibly taken off a bus in downtown Lima by Peruvian anti-terrorism police. The 26-year-old woman from New York had been in Peru for just over eight months gathering information on human rights, democracy, and the lack of social justice for women there. She was preparing articles for two U.S. publications. Lori, who is committed to nonviolence, was charged with treason and tried by a military tribunal without having the benefit of due process. She was sentenced to life in prison by a hooded judge while a hooded soldier held a gun to her head.

In August last year the Peruvian government and military court admitted that Lori was falsely convicted and nullified her life sentence. But instead of releasing her, they are retrying her in a civilian court. Not only is this double jeopardy, but it is clear the civilian court will not provide a fair trial. At the time, former President Fujimori made public statements that she was guilty and would receive a 20 year sentence, even before the trial began.

In January of this year Lori was formally charged with collaboration and her second trial started in March. The U.S. Department of State declared in its annual human rights report in February 2000 the Peruvian Civilian Terrorism courts do not meet internationally accepted standards of openness, fairness, and due process. Lori's detention by the Peruvian government and the trial process also have been denounced by the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights. In addition, in the 106th U.S. Congress, 250 Representatives and 44 Senators called for her release, and numerous religious groups, human rights organizations, unions, newspapers and academic institutions have joined in the effort to free Lori. Both former President Clinton and current President Bush have expressed concern to the Peruvian government.

Help Free Lori Berenson

Write or call President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20500, (202) 456-1111 (press 0 for operator). Tell them:

Ą Peru's civilian courts do not afford due process in cases of alleged terrorism, according to our own State Department;

Ą Every day that Lori spends in her dim, cold, solitary cell is another day her health deteriorates;

Ą According to USC22 Section 1732, it is the President's obligation to secure the release of a U.S. citizen wrongfully imprisoned abroad.

The MEC will send you a letter provided by the Committee to Free Lori Berenson to sign. Call 468-1660.

Send a donation to the Committee to Free Lori Berenson (tax deductible for donations of $50 or more), 110 Maryland Avenue NE, #112, Washington, DC 20002; or contact Proteus Fund, (202) 548-8480; (202) 544-9613 fax; or InterAmerican Human Rights Project, email: gtaylor@www.freelori.org.

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Last Update: 5/3/01