[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LORI BERENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, today I support the recent letter signed by 
a majority of members of the House of Representatives urging the 
President to work for the release of Lori Berenson, an American Citizen 
illegally detained in a military prison in Peru.
  It is ridiculous that I must bring up this issue yet again after four 
years. How many letters must we send to the President of Peru on Ms. 
Berenson's behalf. How many times must Mark and Rhoda Berenson appeal 
to members of their own government before they are reunited with their 
child?
  Ms. Berenson was convicted four years ago of treason and sentenced to 
life imprisonment in Peru. The details of her case read like the script 
of a movie, secret Peruvian military tribunal, conviction in violation 
of international law, maximum security isolation, and now reports that 
her health is seriously threatened.
  Ms. Berenson was convicted by a judicial system which has been 
characterized by the U.S. State Department as ``inefficient, often 
subject to corruption, and easily controlled by the executive branch.'' 
The state department further states that ``* * * proceedings in the 
military courts--and those for terrorism in civilian court--do not meet 
internationally accepted standard of openness, fairness, and due 
process.'' Ms. Berenson's conviction has been condemned by the 
Organization of American States and the United Nations High Commission 
on Human Rights.
  How does the American government, the most powerful government on the 
globe, the world's hegemon, sit by and allow this to happen. How can we 
continue to tell Mark and Rhoda Berenson ``We're sorry, but there is 
nothing the United States of America can do to help free your 
daughter.''
  I cannot express in words, the pain I would feel if my child was 
being held illegally, health deteriorating. All of us in this chamber 
should try to imagine for just a moment the pain that is felt each and 
every day by the Berensons. We must then turn that sadness into a 
collective cry for action on the part of the administration. United 
States citizens must not be treated in such a barbaric manner.
  I call on the President to act decisively. To use the vast resources 
of this great nation and demand Lori Berenson's release.

                          ____________________