News from Lori's Parents

2 August 2002

In this update:

Lori speaks out on human rights and "terrorism"

Following her recent vindication by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Lori wrote about the Commission's ruling and how she believes it will impact on much needed judicial reform in Perú.

Lori writes "open letter" to community of journalists

Reflecting on recent events in Perú and on her own case in particular, Lori sent a letter to the community of Peruvian and international journalists. In this letter, Lori commented on four subjects: (1) the internationally condemned antiterrorism laws that were used in both her military and civilian trials to convict her; (2) her disappointment knowing that she continues to be smeared and maligned by Perú's notoriously yellow journalism press -- nearly two years after the fall of the Fujimori-Montesinos dictatorship; (3) her civilian trial and the Inter-American Commission's ruling; and (4) the work of the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Parts of her letter appeared in some Peruvian newspapers but her words became a source of ridicule.

Op-ed article "Justice Delayed is Justice Denied" published

An op-ed by Rhoda and Mark ("Justice Delayed is Justice Denied") appeared in the Casper (Wyoming) Star Tribune. The article calls for President Bush to invoke the statute Title 22 US Code Section 1732 and come to the aid of a U.S. citizen wrongfully being held in a foreign country.

Congressional Representatives Maloney and Waters speak on Lori's behalf

We are very grateful to Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) and to Congresswoman Maxine Waters (Democrat, CA) for taking the time during the last, extremely hectic sessions of the House of Representatives to express their continued support for Lori following the recent Inter-American Commission ruling. The texts of their statements appear in the Congressional Record and on the website.

Action at the Inter-American Court

There are indications that "preliminary hearings" on Lori's case will be held by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in San Jose, Costa Rica on or around August 26. Details are lacking at this time and it is not yet known whether Lori's legal advisors will be asked to participate at these hearings.

- Rhoda and Mark Berenson