Family: Berenson Is Activist, Not Terrorist

N E W   Y O R K, Aug. 29 -- The parents of an American woman imprisoned on treason charges in Peru say their daughter’s only connection to theTupac Amaru rebel group was that she felt deep sadness about the poverty she had seen in the South American country.

Mark and Rhoda Berenson spoke at a news conference in New York after Peruvian officials announced Monday that Lori Berenson’s 1996 treason conviction in a military court was overturned and that her case would be heard in a new, civilian trial.

“Once we are able to get her out of that prison and get herback here, you’ll be able to see what a wonderful person she is,” a smiling Rhoda Berenson said.

Her father, however, remained indignant that his daughter would have to be tried again.

“It is not possible for Lori Berenson to have a fair trial inPeru under present conditions,” he said.

Activist, Not Terrorist

Berenson, 30, was found guilty of treason by the secret tribunal in January 1996 for allegedly helping the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement plan an attack on Peru’s Congress. Peruvian authorities say they foiled the alleged plan.

But her parents said Monday that their daughter’s actions have been those of an activist, not a terrorist. The two said a passion for helping others has remained a constant throughout Berenson’s life.

She volunteered at soup kitchens while growing up and as ateenager persuaded her family to adopt a foster child inGuatemala.

Berenson studied music and anthropology at MassachusettsInstitute of Technology for more than a year before she dropped out and took a job with a Salvadoran human rights group in New York.

Reporter on the Job

In 1990, she traveled to El Salvador and Nicaragua to pursue social causes. When she came to Peru, it was as a newly accredited reporter with two left-leaning U.S. magazines, Third World Reportand Modern Times.

Peruvian authorities allege she used her press credentials togain entry into Congress to interview lawmakers, but that her true motive was to stake out the building’s layout.