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2. The FBI intentionally hid the ballistics report showing that the cartridge could not have come from the presumed murder weapon.
3. There was no doubt whatsoever that the agents followed a red pick-up onto the territory, and not the red and white van driven by Peltier.
4. Strong evidence against several other suspects existed and was withheld.
None of this evidence was presented to the jury that found Leonard Peltier guilty. He was given two consecutive life sentences.
Two consecutive life sentences?! How do they plan to implement that? Doesn't the sentence reflect a deep fear of the spirit of Crazy Horse?
Bill Clinton: at the service of the FBIA new trial was sought after several of these abuses came to light. During one hearing, the federal prosecutor admitted that "...we can't prove who shot the agents". The court realized that Peltier could have been found innocent if the evidence hadn't been unduly withheld by the FBI, but a new trial was denied on the basis of technical errors.
The former Leonard Peltier Defense Committee stated:
"In 1993, Peltier requested Executive Clemency from President Bill Clinton. An intensive campaign was launched and supported by Native and human rights organizations, members of Congress, community and church groups, labor organizations, luminaries, and celebrities. Even Judge Heaney, who authored the court decision [denying a new trial], expressed firm support for Peltier's release. The Peltier case had become a national issue.
On November 7, 2000, during a live radio interview, Clinton stated that he would seriously consider Peltier's request for clemency and make a decision before leaving office on January 20, 2001.
In response, the FBI launched a major disinformation campaign in both the media and among key government officials. Over 500 FBI agents marched in front of the White House to oppose clemency. On January 20, the list of clemencies granted by Clinton was released to the media. Without explanation, Peltier's name had been excluded."
Current defense efforts
Leonard's Parole Hearing has finally been scheduled for July 27, 2009, and is the focus of an international campaign in the coming months. There is absolutely no legitimate reason to continue to hold Leonard Peltier in prison. If he is not granted clemency or does not win parole this year, he will not have another Parole Hearing until 2017. Please write a letter to the Parole Board and /or sign a petition urging his release at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/
Petitions are also being circulated urging President Obama to grant clemency for Leonard Peltier and urging Congress to investigate FBI misconduct on Pine Ridge and the "reign of terror" that existed between 1973 and 1976. To add your name, consult: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/clemency.htm
Supporters are also demanding a congressional investigation into FBI misconduct in Indian Country, against the American Indian Movement and in the case of Leonard Peltier. See: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/investigation.htm
The defense team continues to press for thousands of documents that are still being retained by the FBI, around 142,579 pages according to Peltier's legal team which brought a new suit against the FBI in Minnesota in March of this year. Of particular interest are documents dealing with the extent to which the Federal Bureau of Investigation paid informants to infiltrate Leonard Peltier's defense team. Alleging that the information would reveal confidential sources, harm national security and impede the transnational "war on terrorism"-, the FBI has refused to release the documents that would reveal their illegal activities on Pine Ridge and the continued violations of Leonard Peltier's basic human rights. See: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/FOIA.htm
In a recent letter Leonard said: "If my case stands as it is, no common person has real freedom. Only the illusion until you have something the oppressors want....
