Reader Action: The Case of Lori Berenson

Since last year, AGENDA has published a monthly boycott column in the hope that individuals would use their buying power (or lack thereof) to help effect social change. While boycotts are needed and necessary, there are just so many other problems out there that are also crying for action.

In an effort to encourage action by AGENDA readers, the monthly Boycott Update column will be doing a metamorphosis into Reader Action. While the column will occasionally carry boycott information, it will also touch upon human rights, labor struggles, peace movements and other social actions. While Reader Action will strive to educate, it will also urge activity in the form of a letter or a telephone call.

Traveling to a foreign country, U.S. citizens may have the impression that if they land in difficulty, a quick call to the U.S. Embassy will sweep away all problems. But then there is the case of Lori Berenson.

In 1995 Berenson, a reporter by profession, was arrested by Peruvian military police on the allegation that she had ties to violent terrorists. A "trial" was held before a secret military court where she was not allowed to challenge evidence, cross-examine prosecution witnesses or call witnesses of her own. Alter the proceedings ended, Berenson's sentence of life in prison without parole was read to her by a hooded judge while a gun was literally pointed at her head. Incarcerated at a prison high in the Andean mountains, she spends her time in a cell with no heat or windows and with the toilet facilities consisting of a hole in the floor. Such conditions have led to physical ailments, notably vision problems, throat infections, chronic laryngitis, and digestive difficulties.

Part of the problem behind Berenson's situation may be the political climate of Peru. The top leadership of the country boasts of its toughness in dealing with terrorists. Also, during the time of Berenson's arrest and trial, the U.S. Congress was debating the sale of fighter aircraft to Ecuador, with whom Peru was engaged in a border dispute. Peru was flaunting its unwillingness to be pushed around by the United States, showing Berenson's picture on television as an example of this policy.

Over the past few years supporters of Lori Berenson have begun a massive effort to obtain freedom for her, concentrating on two simple requests. One is that Peru respect the international treaties it has signed (four international agreements were broken during her trial). The other, that Lori Berenson be granted a new public trial using internationally accepted procedures. With such a trial, supporters are confident that she will be found innocent of all charges.

Peru, under President Fujimori, has had a consistent record of harassing and even executing reporters and human rights activists. Keeping this climate in mind, Amnesty International has declared Berenson a political prisoner. Members of Congress (including Senator Levin and Rep. Stabenow) have requested that Secretary of State Albright put her full efforts into having Berenson receive a new trial. Even President Clinton has directly requested that President Fujimori review her case.

Action: Letters are very much needed to Senators Abraham and Levin (U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510) asking that they call the White House and have the President invoke 22 U.S.C. Section 1732, a law that requires the U.S. to take all actions necessary, short of going to war, to secure the release of a U.S. political prisoner such as Lori Berenson. Calls can also be made to the U.S. Senate at (202) 225-3121 , asking to be connected with either Senator Levin or Abraham and when transferred request to talk to your senator's Legislative Aide on Human Rights.

For more information about Lori Berenson, or to be placed on an e-mail/postal newsletter list, write the Committee to Free Lori Berenson, 320 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010 or e-mail at MARBB@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU. Also an extensive web page can be reached at <www.geocities.com/capitolhill/9968/>.