1. The American Imprisoned in Peru
2. Connection to the MRTA
3. Arrest and Trial
4. Controversy and Trial Process
5. Sentencing and Appeals
6. Conditional Release and Legal Battles
7. Return to New York

The American Imprisoned in Peru

Early Life and Activism

Lori Berenson, born in New York City, became involved in political activism during her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She joined the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador, and her passion for the cause led her to abandon her education and move to El Salvador. In El Salvador, she worked as a secretary and translator for Leonel González, the leader of the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN).

Connection to the MRTA

After the political situation in El Salvador improved, Berenson relocated to Peru. She claimed to have lived on the funds from an educational trust established by her parents. It was in Peru that she established contact with the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA).

Arrest and Trial

In 1995, Berenson attended Peru's Congress with a photographer to interview attendees. She was arrested on a bus, along with the photographer, who turned out to be the wife of the MRTA leader. Initially denying any connection to the MRTA, Berenson's rented house in Lima was later found to contain a substantial arsenal and armed rebels.

Controversy and Trial Process

Following her arrest, Berenson argued against the MRTA being labeled a terrorist organization and portrayed them as revolutionaries. Her statements angered the Peruvian people. She was tried by a military court in 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment by an anonymous judge, whose identity was concealed for fear of retribution from the MRTA. International human rights observers criticized the trial, highlighting violations such as Berenson being denied access to government evidence and witness testimonies.

Sentencing and Appeals

In 2000, after a change in government in Peru, Berenson's case was reviewed. She was found guilty of terrorism but received a reduced sentence of 20 years in prison. She served 15 years before her release in May 2010. In August 2010, an appeals court ruled that she should serve out the remainder of her sentence, but she was released again by a judge on November 5, 2010.

Conditional Release and Legal Battles

Berenson was expected to stay in Peru until the end of her conditional release or return to prison. However, prosecutors attempted to send her back to prison in January 2011, but their efforts were unsuccessful. After eight months of legal wrangling, it was decided that the November ruling was final and could not be appealed.

Return to New York

In December 2011, a Peruvian court allowed Berenson to return to her family in New York for three weeks. She was required to return to Peru and remain there until November 29, 2015.

Citizen