News from Lori's Parents

28 June 1999

In this update:


Letter from U.S. Senate urges Secretary-of-State Albright to obtain humanitarian release for Lori

A letter on behalf of Lori that was sponsored by Senators Jim Jeffords (R-VT) and Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) was sent to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright today. The letter, signed by 33 members of the U.S. Senate, points out that the Peruvian government has failed to comply with its international legal obligations as cited by the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights. It ends by saying "Many of us have previously called for an open and fair proceeding in a civilian court for Ms. Berenson. We now believe that Ms. Berenson's deteriorating health warrants humanitarian release from prison and urge you to use your authority to secure Ms. Berenson's release before her health further deteriorates."

The full list of signers appears on the www.freelori.org web site.


Rev. Jesse Jackson hopes to speak at Congressional Briefing

The Reverend Jesse Jackson has been invited to address the Congressional Briefing "Human Rights in Peru: The Lori Berenson Case" to be held in the Rayburn House Office Building (Room 2200) of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, June 30th from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Reverend Jackson hopes to be able to speak if his schedule permits. In addition, there will be statements by representatives from Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, Congressional Representatives, religious leaders who have recently seen Lori, the Berenson family, and legal advisors.


- Rhoda and Mark Berenson