American Held In Peru Could Return

The government of Peru is considering a proposal by a U.S. congressman that would allow Lori Helene Berenson, a New York woman who has been serving a life sentence in Peru for treason, to be transferred to the United States, Peruvian and U.S. officials said Tuesday.

Berenson, 26, was convicted and sentenced in January on charges that she was an active member of a Marxist guerrilla group.

The Peruvian government’s public acknowledgment that it is studying American suggestions that it show leniency toward Berenson is the first, albeit small, breakthrough in a case that has received considerable publicity and has been a thorn in U.S.-Peruvian relations.

The proposal concerning Berenson was made 10 days ago by Rep. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., who has negotiated in the past for the release of American hostages and prisoners held overseas.