BY RICK VECCHIO
 Associated Press

 LIMA, Peru -- Speaking from prison, New Yorker Lori Berenson said standing up for her principles has taken a devastating toll on her and her family -- but she expects to be freed and ultimately vindicated.

 "I was really totally appalled when they read the sentence,'' Berenson told The Associated Press in exclusive comments.

 "Unfortunately, I really couldn't show it basically because I was afraid they would misinterpret any reaction I would have.''

 Berenson, sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison for ``terrorist collaboration,'' was not allowed face-to-face interviews with the media. But she was able to respond  on tape to written questions.

 "What is positive about this trial is the fact I could actually say the truth, not only about me, but about what I feel about Peru, what I feel about the situation here,''
 Berenson said.

 Berenson predicted that she'll be freed on appeal, either by Peru's Supreme Court or by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

 She said she did not want a transfer -- a U.S. official said Thursday she could serve her time in the U.S. "I want justice,'' she said.