Paroled Activist Lori Berenson Arrives in US

Lori Berenson arrived at Newark Airport this morning, her first time in the United States since she was arrested for aiding Peruvian guerrillas in 1995, reports the AP. Berenson was supposed to leave Peru on Friday, but she was denied permission to leave when she arrived at the Lima airport. After securing an additional document yesterday, she and her 2-year-old son were finally allowed to depart.

"We are looking forward to the first holiday at home in a long, long time," said Berenson's mother. "This is not a political time; this is a time for family, friends, and holidays." Berenson is supposed to return to Peru by Jan. 11 to serve out the remaining five years of her parole, and has said she will do so. (More Lori Berenson stories.)