Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist, will finally leave prison after President Joe Biden commuted his sentence to home confinement. At 80 years old, Peltier suffers from severe health ailments and has spent 47 years behind bars. Convicted in 1975 for the murder of two FBI agents, he received two consecutive life sentences. The case has long been mired in controversy due to withheld evidence and alleged coercion of witnesses, leading many to question the fairness of his trial.
Peltier’s conviction stemmed from a violent confrontation at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. During his trial, the prosecution withheld critical ballistics evidence, including the fact that Peltier's rifle could not be matched to shell casings found at the scene. Furthermore, the all-white jury was not informed about the political tensions underlying the incident at Pine Ridge. Witnesses also claimed that FBI agents had coerced them into providing testimonies against him.
Despite these contentious circumstances, Peltier has always maintained his innocence. Over the years, he has gained the support of prominent figures like Coretta Scott King, Nelson Mandela, and Pope Francis. However, previous efforts to secure his release, including those by former President Bill Clinton, proved unsuccessful. His most recent denial of release occurred in July 2021, with parole eligibility not set until 2026.
James H Reynolds, the US attorney responsible for Peltier's prosecution and appeal, has since expressed regret over the case. Reynolds publicly apologized and called for Peltier's immediate release, describing the prosecution and incarceration as "unjust." His statement adds a significant voice to the chorus of advocates who have long sought justice for Peltier.
Nick Tilsen, an activist involved in advocating for Peltier’s release, remarked on the dedication and persistence of those who fought for this outcome.
"Leonard Peltier's freedom today is the result of 50 years of intergenerational resistance, organizing, and advocacy." – Nick Tilsen
Tilsen emphasized the broader significance of Peltier's release.
"Leonard Peltier's liberation is our liberation – we will honor him by bringing him back to his homelands to live out the rest of his days surrounded by loved ones, healing, and reconnecting with his land and culture." – Nick Tilsen
President Biden’s decision to commute Peltier’s sentence rather than grant a pardon allows him to spend his remaining years in home confinement without absolving him of his conviction.
"He is now 80 years old, suffers from severe health ailments, and has spent the majority of his life (nearly half a century) in prison. This commutation will enable Mr Peltier to spend his remaining days in home confinement but will not pardon him for his underlying crimes," – Joe Biden
Peltier expressed his relief and hopes as he prepares to leave prison.
"It's finally over – I'm going home. I want to show the world I'm a good person with a good heart. I want to help the people, just like my grandmother taught me." – Leonard Peltier
Kevin Sharp, a former federal judge who supports Peltier's cause, criticized the systemic issues that have plagued this case from the start.
"the system that refuses to acknowledge the government’s role in what happened in June of 1975, refuses to acknowledge the context of what happened, refuses to acknowledge the violation of rights that happened" – Kevin Sharp