News from Lori's Parents

19 November 2003

In this update:

Lori and Anibal marry

After nearly 8 years in prison a little happiness has brightened Lori's life this autumn. Although the groom was not present and his father Teo had to sign papers in Huacariz Prison in his place, Lori was married to Anibal Apari Sanchez of Villa El Salvador, Lima, Perú. Lori was permitted to bake bread and cakes for the prison to mark the event. After not seeing each other for over five years (they had seen each other only a few times when they were in Yanamayo Prison), Anibal was given permission to visit Lori and he was able to visit Lori for her birthday. Anibal will continue his law studies in Lima next semester after 13 years away from the classroom.

Events mark Lori's birthday and anniversary of her arrest

On November 13th Lori "celebrated" her 34th birthday and on November 30th she will have completed 8 years of wrongful incarceration in Peruvian prisons while she awaits the hearings on her case before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in San Jose, Costa Rica in 2004.

Numerous events marked and will mark these occasions. On Lori's birthday over 800 Haiku about Lori were handed out in front of the Peruvian Consulate in San Francisco, CA and flyers were also distributed in front of the Peruvian Embassy in Washington, DC. In Tucson, AZ a Peace Vigil was dedicated to Lori on her birthday and letters were sent to NOW. In Indianapolis, IN and surrounding regions, Lori's case was discussed at several events sponsored by Rights Action dealing with Perú's illegal anti-terrorism laws and political prisoners in Perú. In Denver, CO supporters set up tables for Lori at the Justice and Peace Awards gathering and will be discussing her case on the November 20 radio program "Speaking Freely," KVNF radio, www.kvnf.org, 12 to 1 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. On November 22, supporters of Lori will be handing out flyers at the annual SOA Watch vigil at Fort Benning, GA. On November 25, Kristen Gardner will speak about her recent visit with Lori at Riordan High School in San Francisco and on December 6, in Cleveland, OH information about Lori will be distributed at the annual bazaar run by The Women Speak Out for Peace and Justice.

Haiku statements honor Lori

Lindasusan Ulrich, a college classmate of Lori's, wrote "Seventeen Syllables for Peace," ten beautiful Haiku statements about Lori that can be downloaded and printed. We wish to thank Lindasusan for this beautiful work.

Lori receives visit from close friend

Earlier this month, Kristen Gardner, Lori's roommate at MIT, visited with her for the third time since her arrest. Kristen's article, "A Visit With Lori Berenson in Huacariz Prison, Perú" appeared in Common Dreams on November 14.

- Rhoda and Mark Berenson