Injustice in Peru
The Boston Globe -- 23 June 2001
If Peru's quest for democracy is to be judged by the second sham trial and conviction of the American citizen Lori Berenson, charged with collaborating with terrorists, then Americans may conclude that the practices of the old regime have survived.
To show he is different from Mr. Fujimori and Mr. Montesinos, President-elect Alejandro Toledo should pardon Ms. Berenson immediately. If Mr. Toledo feels it would be easier politically to have the interim president, Valentin Paniagua, issue the pardon, then he should do so.
When Mr. Toledo goes to Washington on Sunday to ask for economic aid, he should be told that Peru cannot construct a true rule of law from the system left behind by Mr. Fujimori.