News from Lori's Parents

14 January 1999

In this update:

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Rules Lori's Case is Admissible
Vigils Mark 3 Years Since Lori's Sentencing
Mark the Dates: February 4^th and 5^th -- Fujimori in DC
Call to Action Reminder -- Lori Remains in Isolation: Amnesty International Urgent Action Appeal Continues

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Rules Lori's Case is Admissible

The Organization of American States (OAS) announced that its Inter-American Commission has ruled that Lori's petition against the government of Perú for lack of due process and violations of her human rights is admissible and the case has advanced to the next level.

Vigils Mark 3 Years Since Lori's Sentencing

On Monday, January 11^th a vigil was held in front of the White House. 70 supporters braved the cold and wind, urging President Clinton to help and reminding him of his obligation to enact 22USC Section 1732 and come to the aid of a wrongfully incarcerated citizen. Concerned supporters came from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington DC.

Strong messages of support were read from the offices of Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney of New York and Congressman James P. McGovern of Massachusetts.

Representative Maloney pointed out that "Lori's unfair treatment in Perú has become an international example of how Perú has broken binding treaties that have been signed by their government, including treaties guaranteeing the legal rights of prisoners."

Representative McGovern's letter written to the Berensons began: "I want you to know that every American who believes in justice, in due process, and in human rights is standing with you today."

Another vigil on behalf of Lori was held on January 11^th in front of the Peruvian Consulate in San Francisco.

Mark the Dates: February 4^th and 5^th -- Fujimori in DC

President Alberto Fujimori of Perú and President Jamil Mahuad of Ecuador are expected to visit Washington, DC on Thursday and Friday, February 4^th and 5^th to celebrate the peace accord they signed in October ending a long-term border dispute. President Fujimori will take this opportunity to hold meetings with President Clinton, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and other sources to raise money for his collapsing economy. A response to this visit is being planned.

Call to Action Reminder -- Lori Remains in Isolation: Amnesty International Urgent Action Appeal Continues

Lori remains in solitary confinement since October 7^th. If you have not yet sent letters to Peruvian officials calling on them to immediately end her "cruel, inhumane, and degrading punishment" that is in violation of Article 5 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, please note the "Urgent Action" on the website which details what to write and whom to write to.