Berenson, Lori (1969–)

American journalist Lori Berenson is currently in prison in Peru for alleged terrorist activity, in association with the guerrilla organization known as the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru; MRTA). While others believe Berenson to be a political prisoner, her contact and association with members of the MRTA led a military tribunal to sentence her to life in prison for treason.

Born and raised in New York City, Berenson attended college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1992, she moved to El Salvador as their civil war was winding down. She became a secretary to a top leader of the group rebelling against the government, the FMLN, as the two sides worked toward peace.

In 1994, Berenson moved to Lima, Peru. She lived in a large house with many others in the middle-class neighborhood of La Molina. In November ...