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der=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=100%> The 'Rebel Indian' campaigns
MAY 4, 2000

Calling himself the "Rebel Indian", Peruvian presidential candidate Alejandro Toledo took his election campaign to the southern city of Arequipa yesterday.

Toledo hopes to become the country's first Indian leader. The stop was part of a second round of campaigning for Peru's highest office. A run-off election will be held May 28.

The first election, held April 9th, was plagued with allegations of tampering by incumbent Alberto Fujimori administration. Citizens soon took the streets in protest of the slow counts. Election officials eventually declared a run-off, a move welcomed by the international community, including the US.

While in Arequipa, Toledo was asked about the case of imprisoned former Massachusetts Institute of Technology student Lori Berenson, an American citizen convicted during the Fujimori administration of aiding the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement in a failed attack on Peru's Congress.

In response to an allegation made by Fujimori, Toledo said no terrorist would ever go free if he were elected. Toledo has said a new trial might be held for Berenson if evidence is found that her rights were denied.

The movement is named for Tupac Amaru, an Indian leader who was executed for arising against the Spanish in the 1700s.

Staff and news wires contributed to this report.

Related Stories:
US Warns Peru (Global 04/26)
Peruvians appreciate US pressure (Global 04/14)
Officials in Peru announce run-off (Global 04/13)
Peruvians protest Fujimori (Global 04/12)
Suspected ballot fraud in Peru (Global 04/11)
Elections in Peru: Not over yet (Global 04/10)
On the campaign trail in Peru (Global 04/04)

Relevant Links:
Lori Berenson Downloads from the MIT Social Justice Cooperative.
Free Lori: www.freelori.org