News from Lori's Parents

28 July 2000

This is day 1,703 of Lori's wrongful incarceration in Perú.

In this update:

Congressional campaign a success - majority of the House urges Lori's release!

We have learned from Congresswomen Carolyn Maloney (NY) and Maxine Waters (CA) that the letter to President Clinton urging that he secure Lori's release was sent today with 221 signatures. An additional Representative sent his own letter.

A press release issued by Congresswoman Maloney's office says in part, "It is unbelievable what has happened to Lori Berenson... I am hopeful that with the support of Congress, President Clinton will continue his efforts to free Lori Berenson from prison and to work for human rights in Perú and throughout the world."

A press release issued by Congresswoman Waters office, reads in part, "I am proud that a majority of the Members of the House of Representatives have joined me this year to call for Lori's immediate release. Now it is time for the President to act." She also called attention to the thousands of people unjustly imprisoned in Perú, declaring, "These gross violations of fundamental human rights must stop."

In addition, yesterday, Congressman Joe Moakley (MA) read a statement on behalf of Lori on the floor of Congress, ending with "It is time that President Clinton demands Lori's release at the highest levels - it is time this nation stands up for Lori - it is time for Lori Berenson to come home."

These press releases Mr. Moakley's statement were read at a vigil held today in front of the Peruvian Embassy in Washington. The complete texts will appear on the web site.

43% of Senate urges Lori's release!

Senator Moynihan's office has informed us that the Senate letter was sent to President Clinton with 40 signatures. Three additional Senators sent their own letters either to President Clinton or Secretary of State Albright to secure Lori's release.

Complete lists of signers from the House and Senate appear on the web site. These letters make it clear to all that support for Lori's release continues to grow and that President Clinton has the strong backing of the United States Congress in what we hope will be his determined efforts to secure Lori's release.

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! to all of you for making this possible!

Upcoming Northwest speaking tour

Gail Taylor, National Organizer for the Committee to Free Lori Berenson, will be joined by Lori's college roommate Kristen Gardner on a Northwest speaking tour from Wednesday August 2nd through Monday August 7th. They will appear in Olympia WA on August 2nd, Seattle WA on August 3rd, Portland OR on August 4th, Eugene OR on August 5th and 6th, and Ashland OR on August 7th. The times and locations of these events are listed on the home page of the web site.

- Rhoda and Mark Berenson