New York NY — President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) where he will now serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement after nearly 50 years behind bars.
Peltier was serving two consecutive life sentences for his alleged role in the deaths of two FBI agents in 1975 during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Peltier has always maintained his innocence, and his case has been mired in controversy due to withheld ballistics evidence, coerced FBI testimony later recanted, and violations of his Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury.
The following statement from Judith LeBlanc (Caddo), executive director of the Native Organizers Alliance, can be quoted in part or in whole.
“Our hearts are full for Leonard Peltier, his family, and all of Indian Country as he finally gets to go home after nearly 50 years behind bars. Leonard’s incarceration came to symbolize the injustices Native peoples face in defending our lands and civil and inherent rights. His resilience has stood as a testament to the enduring strength of Native peoples in the face of systemic racism and oppression.
Throughout his incarceration, Leonard remained unwavering in his commitment to defending Indigenous rights. He has inspired activists worldwide to stand up to governments and systems that marginalize people of color. His lifelong advocacy for Native rights and justice will continue encouraging Indigenous activists for generations. Today, we celebrate not just Leonard, but an Indigenous movement he helped create.”
