In news from Peru, the American activist Lori Berenson was back in court yesterday requesting that she be allowed to remain free on parole. Last year, she was released after serving nearly 15 years of her 20-year sentence. Berenson told the court she wished to devote her life to her 20-month-old son, Salvador.

Lori Berenson: “I don’t believe I am a danger to society. I recognize my responsibility for the crime I committed, and I am sorry for it. Now that I am living in society, I am completely dedicating my time to my son. I am responsible for him. It is my right and duty. It is a beautiful right, and I hope I won’t lose it.”

If Berenson’s request is denied, it could mean separation from her son, as children are not allowed to stay with their mothers in prison past the age of three in Peru. Berenson was convicted in 1996 by hooded Peruvian military judges of collaborating with the rebel group MRTA.