Several news reports got the story wrong about the treatment of Lori Berenson and her very young son.
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August 19, 2010 — Some recent media reports have contained inaccuracies when explaining Lori’s parole revocation. As part of her parole request, Lori informed the court where she would be living if released. The court approved this residence before releasing Lori on parole, and the police inspected it multiple times while she was living there. They were supposed to inspect it before she moved in but failed to do so. Because this pre-occupancy inspection was not carried out, Lori and Salvador have been sent back to prison.
This is the only reason the appeals court revoked Lori’s parole this week.
Peruvian Times Interviews Lori:
Lori was interviewed by The Peruvian Times after her appeals court hearing on August 16. This interview was to be published ONLY if she were sent back to jail. Two days later, her parole was revoked, and she returned to prison. Today, The Peruvian Times posted this interview on their website as seven audio segments. The interview is in English, and is accompanied by photographs. Please listen to this excellent interview here.
Earlier Story:
August 18 — Sadly and unjustly, Lori and Salvador have been returned to prison today. Right after Lori was released on parole on May 27 the state prosecutor appealed the judge’s decision. On August 16 there was a hearing on the appeal and today, August 18, there was a decision to annul the parole based on a procedural issue that was not the responsibility of Lori or her defense.
Upon hearing the resolution, Lori turned herself over to the police. Until this procedural issue is resolved Lori must remain in prison. During her move to the prison, broadcast live on TV, we saw Salvador almost crushed by a hoard of cameraman and journalists, indifferent to the well-being of a 15-month old baby.
After the procedural issue is resolved there will be another hearing where we hope that parole will be sustained and she will be released once again. However, this will take several months and there is no guarantee of parole.
Over the years hundreds of prisoners convicted of terrorism related crimes, Peruvians and foreign nationals, have been released on parole. Lori has been the subject of a media circus since she was released. Hardly a day has passed since May 25 without at least a dozen news items demonizing Lori. Politicians of every stripe have tried to outdo each other in their condemnations, using the case of a U.S. citizen for political purposes.
Please call the White House hotline (202-456-1111) and when instructed ask for a “hotline” operator and urge President Obama to immediately come to the aid of a wrongfully incarcerated US citizen and a completely innocent child.
English Website: About Lori Berenson.
Spanish Website: About Lori Berenson.