News from Lori's Parents

24 May 2000

This is day 1,638 of wrongful incarceration.

In this update:

Congressional Campaign

As of this afternoon, 30 Senators and 78 Representatives have sponsored the Dear Colleague letters.

Urgent Action: Please Post

TARGETED CALL-IN DAYS Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26

Congress is about to go on recess. In the next two days we are targeting Senators from the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. If you live in any of these states, please call the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator. When you reach the Senate office, ask to speak with the foreign policy aide, and use the following talking points when speaking with the aide or leaving a voice mail message:

Talking Points

  1. My name is +++++++++++++++ and my address is +++++++++++++++++++. I am calling to support Lori Berenson.
  2. Lori Berenson, a U.S. citizen, has been wrongfully imprisoned on preposterous charges of treason. She has lived under horrendous and sometimes life-threatening conditions in Perú for over four years and her health has been permanently impaired. She has always maintained her innocence.
  3. Perú is proving to the world that it is incapable of even conducting a free, fair, and transparent election. It's judicial system has been ranked among the most corrupt in the hemisphere. The U.S. government needs to secure Lori's release.
  4. Therefore, I ask you to sign the letter to President Clinton urging him to secure the release of Lori Berenson. Please contact Theresa Lee in the office of Senator Moynihan (at 202-224-4451) to sign the letter.

Congressman displays "Free Lori" bumper sticker

Many thanks to Congressman Ted Strickland of Ohio for prominently displaying a "Free Lori" bumper sticker in his Washington, DC office. Congressman Strickland holds a PhD in Psychology and a Masters in Divinity.

Peruvian elections in turmoil

As of this afternoon, it is not clear whether international observers will accredit the election process scheduled for Sunday, May 28. Final computer test-runs this evening will determine whether the observers will take part in the Sunday elections and monitor what they consider to be a process full of irregularities. Various organizations have urged the postponement until such time as a free, fair, and transparent election can be held. Oblivious to the fact that the computer software has failed earlier tests to a "grave" degree, in the words of the head of the Organization of American States Observer Mission, the Fujimori government incredulously denies that there are any problems in the election process, and is maintaining its position to hold the election this Sunday despite international criticism. President Fujimori and the spokesman of his party, Perú 2000, have never adequately answered questions with regards to voter fraud in the first round of elections on April 9. Interestingly, there were over 1 million more ballots counted than there were registered voters. Should we be surprised? Keep in mind, this is the same Fujimori government that incredulously claims that Lori Berenson had a fair trial with full due process.

Upcoming New York events

Saturday June 3rd, 9 p.m.
Temple B'nai Jeshurun
257 West 88th Street (West End Avenue)
New York City
For tickets and information, call 212-787-7600
YALE STROM and HOT PSTROMI present the world premiere of "The Ram's Daughters" on Saturday, June 3rd at Temple B'nai Jeshurun. This original composition written for viola is composed in honor of Lori Berenson for her courageous and heroic stance as a political prisoner.

Friday June 9th, 8 p.m.
La Guardia School of Music and Art and Performing Arts
108 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10023
24 * 7 Theatre Company awaits their most challenging performance to date.
On Friday, June 9th at 8:00 p.m. at the LaGuardia School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, twelve very courageous teens will perform "Voices Carry" as a benefit event for Lori Berenson. The teenage performers are dedicated to giving victims of social injustice, like Lori a voice. The ensemble is comprised of exceptionally talented actors and writers. Kurt Vonnegut's daughter, Lily is playing the role of Rhoda Berenson, Lori's mother.

"To be silent in the face of injustice is to be an accomplice to evil. I will not be silent."
Lori Berenson, January 2000

- Rhoda and Mark Berenson