Lori Berenson, the American who had been convicted and imprisoned in Peru on terrorism charges, (and who I knew, a long time ago,) has now admitted her involvement with the MRTA guerrilla group.
At a hearing being held in Lima to determine whether she should remain free on parole, she said,
“Yes, I collaborated with the MRTA. I was never a leader or a militant. I never participated in violent or bloody acts. I never killed anybody,” she told a panel of judges. “If my participation contributed to societal violence I am very sorry for this," she said during the televised hearing.”
She has served 15 years of a 20-year sentence, and there is a real possibility she will be returned to jail. Many, if not most Peruvians, would be happy to see that happen.
Berenson married and had a son while in prison, seeks to return to the United States with him (she’s now separated from her husband).
As I wrote back in May, this whole thing is sad. But maybe now, she can rebuild her life. Berenson said at the hearing,
“I am so deeply sorry and I apologize if my coming to Peru resulted in any harm. I regret it and I am sorry for it,”
I wish her well. As Penelope Cruz’s character says in Vanilla Sky,
“Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”
Keep carrying that torch for her!
Posted by: John Brooks | August 18, 2010 at 11:40 PM