The Andes

Peru: appeals court upholds release of Lori Berenson

A Peruvian appeals court rejected the government’s petition to overturn a lower court’s decision to grant parole to Lori Berenson, a US citizen held since 1995 for collaboration with guerillas.

The Andes

Bolivia: Cochabamba coca chew-in for legalization

Coca growers gathered in cities across Bolivia to hold peaceful demonstrations in support of their government’s proposed amendment to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

The Andes

Pentagon moves ahead with Colombian bases plan

The Pentagon is moving ahead with plans to expand military bases in Colombia—despite a ruling by the country’s Constitutional Court striking down the base agreement with Washington.

The Andes

Hugo Chávez: “I am not a dictator”

Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez dismissed charges that he is moving towards dictatorship with his special powers to rule by decree, accusing OAS head José Miguel Insulza of serving the “empire.”

The Andes

Peru: army rewrites history of “dirty war”

Peru’s army has released a report contradicting the findings of the official truth commission on the 1980-2000 dirty war, absolving the armed forces of systematic atrocities.