Lori Berenson Update

This is the most recent news about Lori Berenson from Freelori.org. On November 30, 1995 Lori Berenson was arrested on a public bus in downtown Lima, accused of leading an insurgent organization, the MRTA. A hooded military tribunal, using antiterrorism legislation promulgated during a state of emergency, sentenced her to life for "treason against the fatherland." Four-and-a half years later, due to international pressure, her sentence was vacated and she was retried by a civilian court under the same antiterrorism legislation. She presently is serving a 20-year sentence for collaboration.

January 12, 2009

To Friends and Supporters of Lori Berenson


END-OF-YEAR MESSAGE FROM LORI

Penal de Huacariz
30 November 2008

Dear friends,

As 2008 and my 13th year in prison come to a close, here I am awaiting my transfer to the maximum security women’s jail in Chorrillos, Lima.

It is indeed sad for me to be leaving Cajamarca after 7 years of beautiful scenery, fresh air and a hospitable community attitude that still prevails to some extent, in spite of the damage done to the “atmosphere” of increased wealth, unaccompanied by local development, due to the presence of giant mining companies.

Although the great mineral wealth is taken out of Cajamarca’s hills, only a small fraction of it trickles down to benefit the area, through the stipulated percentage returned to the local government, additionally to certain jobs temporarily created in the service sector.

The environment met smog, and the water met with many years of contamination with minerals and chemicals. One wonders how bad the contamination of values and of community pride has been.

Worse is to think what will happen once the mineral extraction leaves the hills barren, the water sources contaminated, highways destroyed by the excessively increased transit, when there were and are ways to prevent it.

But, sadly, I will soon leave Cajamarca, due to the need for specialized medical care that I’ll have done once I give birth. My pregnancy is a blessing for me, and motive for much happiness to me and my family.

Although I don’t see the political crisis getting better here, there’s a saying that says “no hay mal que para bien no venga” (there isn’t an evil/bad thing that doesn’t happen for a good reason).

Wishing you all a happy holiday and the best for 2009, for you and our suffered humanity.

In peace,

Lori Berenson

Note: Lori was transferred to Santa Monica de Chorrillos Prison in Lima on the night of 8 January 2009.

LORI IS MOVED BACK TO LIMA FOR MEDICAL CARE

After a 15-hour trip on a public bus, Lori arrived in Lima Friday morning January 9th. She is now in the women’s prison in the Lima suburb of Chorrillos where she had been incarcerated during her civilian trial in 2000 and 2001. Articles on her transfer by AP and Reuters (see www.freelori.org website) appeared in English throughout the US and in English and Spanish around the world. Television coverage http://www.elcomercio.com.pe/ediciononline/HTML/2009-01-09/la-terrorista-lori-berenson-arribo-lima-evitar-riesgo-aborto.html shows the bus arriving in Lima and Lori transported to headquarters for processing. The transfer process went smoothly owing to help from the US Embassy officials in Lima. Now that she is in Lima, Lori will be able to coordinate her prenatal care with orthopedic and pre-surgical care for her back.

Mark will be visiting Lori next weekend.

OTHER GOOD NEWS

We are relieved to learn and thrilled to report that long-time activist Bob Carpenter is alive and well and continues to champion causes of social justice. In our previous Lori Update on December 31 we had reported otherwise. We are grateful that Bob has a good sense of humor!


Mark and Rhoda B.