For over four decades, Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist and member of the American Indian Movement, has been serving a double life sentence for a crime he vehemently denies committing. His case has been fraught with dubious evidence and serious questions about the fairness of his trial. Today, we write to you in the hope that together, we can appeal to President Biden to grant Leonard Peltier clemency.
Peltier’s conviction was based on the deaths of two FBI agents during a 1975 shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Despite numerous appeals and exhaustive legal efforts, his calls for a new trial have been consistently denied. However, the evidence against him has been widely criticized for its lack of firmness, and there are ongoing concerns about the fairness and impartiality of his trial.
The FBI’s own documents have shown that the ballistics evidence used to convict Peltier was inconclusive. Furthermore, key witnesses who testified against Peltier have since recanted their statements, citing coercion by the FBI. These points, among other discrepancies, have led to widespread calls for Peltier’s release.
Despite the controversy surrounding his case, Peltier has remained a beacon of resilience and advocacy from behind bars. He has used his time in prison to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Native Americans and other marginalized groups. He is an artist, a writer, and a humanitarian, who, even in the most challenging circumstances, has continued to contribute positively to society.
Now in his late seventies, Peltier’s health is declining. It is time to right a wrong that has persisted for too long. It is time to allow an elderly man to live out his final years in peace, rather than behind bars. We believe that granting clemency to Leonard Peltier is not only a matter of justice but also one of compassion.
We urge you to join us in this call to action. Sign our petition. Write to President Biden. Let your voices be heard.
Stand with us to demand justice, compassion, and the granting of clemency for Leonard Peltier. Together, we can help rectify an injustice that has lasted for far too long and send a powerful message about the importance of due process and the value of every individual’s right to a fair trial.
Thank you for your time and your compassion,