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Here's what you need to know about America's longest-held political prisoner Leonard Peltier (an indigenous activist from the Pine Ridge Reservation) and why he must be granted clemency NOW
Leonard Peltier (75) is a Native American activist who has been wrongfully imprisoned for over 43 years due to false testimonies acquired through fear tactics, and doctored forensic evidence. Many supporters, including Nelson Mandela, have called for his release.
The American Indian Movement (AIM) was founded in 1968 as a response to brutal police violence against Native Americans. In 1973, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation held protests following the failure to remove abusive tribal president Richard Wilson. The Protests lasted 71 days.
Organized by AIM, the U.S Marshals Service, FBI agents, and other law enforcement agencies were eventually called in to stop the demonstration (AIM was considered an enemy organization). Following this, Wilson hired vigilantes (GOONS) to get rid of AIM sentiments and activity.
More than 60 tribal&AIM members died because of the GOONS(who had an alliance w/ the FBI).Following this, respected Jumping Bull elders invited AIM members to their ranch, seeking protection from the GOONS. Here Peltier becomes involved following a shootout instigated by the FBI.
On June 26, 1975, 2 FBI agents followed a pickup truck leading to the ranch (allegedly to arrest Jimmy Eagles for stealing cowboy boots). For unknown reasons, a shootout began and the men quickly returned fire from the attacks. Native Children were even stuck in the crossfire.
Quickly, more than 150 FBI agents, SWAT Members, BIA police, and vigilantes surrounded the area. 3 ppl died. Peltier is serving 2 life sentences following the events. It is believed he was targeted for his leadership. 2 others were acquitted on self-defense.
However, the details presented in court don't match up:
Prosecutors admitting that Jimmy Eagle was not on the reservation that day
Ms. Poor Bear’s false testimony against Peltier acquired through fear tactics (threatening to take her child away), they had never met before.
Prosecutors admitting that Jimmy Eagle was not on the reservation that day
Ms. Poor Bear’s false testimony against Peltier acquired through fear tactics (threatening to take her child away), they had never met before.
Other false testimonies of youth acquired similarly.
The FBI withholding over 140,000 pages of documents
Deceit regarding forensic evidence. A ballistic test proved the bullet was not tied to Peltier’s gun but was concealed. The FBI changing their testimony to say that the
The FBI withholding over 140,000 pages of documents
Deceit regarding forensic evidence. A ballistic test proved the bullet was not tied to Peltier’s gun but was concealed. The FBI changing their testimony to say that the
agents followed Pelteir's van instead of Eagle's truck. Overall, the jury selection was completed in only 11 hours by an all-white Jury. Despite the government attorney confessing that they did not know who shot the agents,or who instigated the shootout, Leonard is still serving.
There is no evidence that ties Peltier to these incidents instead “there is very strong evidence of FBI and prosecutorial misconduct” ( http://whoisleonardpeltier.info 2020). Peltier needs to be released now. His brother passed away this week. Peltier should have been with him.
Sign:
https://change.org/p/donald-trump-free-political-prisoner-leonard-peltier
Send cards and letters of support:
Leonard Peltier
#89637-132
P.O Box 1033
Coleman, Fl 33521
Donate to the organization who has been tirelessly working for his release:
https://whoisleonardpeltier.info
Call your Legislators:
https://whoisleonardpeltier.info/home/you-can-help/call-legislators/
https://change.org/p/donald-trump-free-political-prisoner-leonard-peltier
Send cards and letters of support:
Leonard Peltier
#89637-132
P.O Box 1033
Coleman, Fl 33521
Donate to the organization who has been tirelessly working for his release:
https://whoisleonardpeltier.info
Call your Legislators:
https://whoisleonardpeltier.info/home/you-can-help/call-legislators/
