The Global Exchange Human Rights Awards strive to recognize the individuals and groups making a lasting difference, including those heroes whose efforts may have previously gone unrecognized. Leonard Peltier has been nominated for this year's People's Choice Award.
Register and vote now:
http://humanrightsaward.org/2012-peoples-choice/contest/#!/entry/244634
Global Exchange is an international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice since 1988. Find out more about Global Exchange at http://www.globalexchange.org.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Buffalo, NY: "A Good Day to Die" Showing Tonight
A Good Day to Die
Buffalo premiere film screening
Presented by the Buffalo chapter of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
7PM, Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Burning Books - 420 Connecticut Street, Buffalo.
Good Day to Die, official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEpf4Gwr3Eg
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Freedom for Leonard Peltier and justice for all aboriginal communities, says CUPE Ontario
Freedom for Leonard Peltier and justice for all aboriginal communities, says CUPE Ontario
Union joins other supporters to mark 36 years of Peltier's false imprisonment
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 6, 2012) - The struggle for freedom for American Indian activist Leonard Peltier, wrongly extradited from Canada to the US in 1976, reminds Canadians that the struggle for justice for all aboriginal peoples is ongoing, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn said today on the 36th year of Peltier's false imprisonment.
"CUPE Ontario stands with all those gathering today to call for freedom for Leonard Peltier," Hahn said. "And we are reminded today that the call for freedom extends to a demand for social and economic justice for all aboriginal communities."
Hahn, along with CUPE Ontario Diversity Vice-President representing Aboriginal Members Joanne Webb, and National Diversity Vice-President Brian Barron attended today's events organized by the Canadian Human Rights Committee for Justice and Freedom for Leonard Peltier and the Indigenous Education Network of OISE/UT. The groups gathered to take part in the annual community vigil in honour of Leonard Peltier, North America's longest-serving, indigenous political prisoner.
As Canada's largest union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is part of a large number of organizations and individuals that believes that Leonard Peltier was convicted on fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony. Hahn encouraged CUPE members and all Canadians to call or email US President Barack Obama to support Peltier's long bid for freedom.
"From the wrongly imprisoned Leonard Peltier to the challenging socio-economic conditions for aboriginals across Canada, the issues facing aboriginal people are concerns for all Canadians," Hahn said.
Source URL: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/freedom-leonard-peltier-justice-all-aboriginal-communities-says-cupe-ontario-1615578.htm
Union joins other supporters to mark 36 years of Peltier's false imprisonment
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 6, 2012) - The struggle for freedom for American Indian activist Leonard Peltier, wrongly extradited from Canada to the US in 1976, reminds Canadians that the struggle for justice for all aboriginal peoples is ongoing, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn said today on the 36th year of Peltier's false imprisonment.
"CUPE Ontario stands with all those gathering today to call for freedom for Leonard Peltier," Hahn said. "And we are reminded today that the call for freedom extends to a demand for social and economic justice for all aboriginal communities."
Hahn, along with CUPE Ontario Diversity Vice-President representing Aboriginal Members Joanne Webb, and National Diversity Vice-President Brian Barron attended today's events organized by the Canadian Human Rights Committee for Justice and Freedom for Leonard Peltier and the Indigenous Education Network of OISE/UT. The groups gathered to take part in the annual community vigil in honour of Leonard Peltier, North America's longest-serving, indigenous political prisoner.
As Canada's largest union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is part of a large number of organizations and individuals that believes that Leonard Peltier was convicted on fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony. Hahn encouraged CUPE members and all Canadians to call or email US President Barack Obama to support Peltier's long bid for freedom.
"From the wrongly imprisoned Leonard Peltier to the challenging socio-economic conditions for aboriginals across Canada, the issues facing aboriginal people are concerns for all Canadians," Hahn said.
Source URL: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/freedom-leonard-peltier-justice-all-aboriginal-communities-says-cupe-ontario-1615578.htm
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights In Need!
Alert! The Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights has run into trouble on the road. A backup vehicle has broken down and is in need of repair. The walkers need your support. If you live in the area of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and can offer mechanical, housing and/or food assistance please call Dorothy Ninham at 920-713-8114. Financial assistance is also needed. Please donate now. Donate securely online at www.leonardpeltierwalkforhumanrights.com. Or quickly send a check or money order made payable to Wind Chases the Sun, Inc. Mail your financial donation to N5679 Skylark Drive, DePere, WI 54115.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Call to Action: Call the White House for Leonard Peltier
Today marks the 36th anniversary of the arrest of Leonard Peltier. Today, be certain to call the White House comment line to request the release of Leonard Peltier on humanitarian and constitutional grounds. Call 202-456-1111. If the lines are busy, try the White House
switchboard at (202) 456-1414. Ask for the comment line. You may be placed on
hold until the next available staffer can take your call.
Thank you for all you do on Leonard's behalf.
switchboard at (202) 456-1414. Ask for the comment line. You may be placed on
hold until the next available staffer can take your call.
Thank you for all you do on Leonard's behalf.
06 February Anniversary Message from Leonard Peltier
Greetings to my relations, my friends, and to my many supporters the world over.
It is that time again. Another year has passed, and on February 6th I will be marking 36 years since my arrest. During all this time, my family and allies have discovered just how far the government will go to wrongfully convict and imprison someone they know is innocent. They do this as a message—first to Indians, and further to anyone who might stand up to injustice—as if to say, “We will do as we please”.
From the day of my arrest until now, through you my supporters, I have been honored with many activist and humanitarian awards. I thank you for keeping awareness of me and my case alive. Your commitment has really been a special experience for me.
In addition many celebrities, political figures, and organizations have called for my release, including 55 members of Congress. This last November, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed a permanent resolution calling for my release. Well let’s hope its not that permanent. The NCAI has committed to being directly involved with my case so that the message from Washington to Indian people does not remain, “We will do as we please”.
Still, despite all this attention and with all the leaders and people of conscience calling for my release, I have been kept in this iron cage. They have even kept me longer than their own laws say they can. With evidence corroborating that I did not receive a fair trial, with proof of government misconduct, with admissions by government officials that they do not know who killed those two agents that day at the Jumping Bull property, here I sit. “We will do as we please.”
Recently, as many of you know, an act was passed and signed into law that allows for indefinite detention of American citizens without charge or trial. This is perhaps the final straw, the final nail in the coffin of American freedom, the end of habeas corpus and due process. “We will do as we please.”
We Indians said it for generations: If they can kill us indiscriminately, they will do it to anyone. If they can take our land, they will do it to anyone. If they can kidnap our children and take them to prison schools, they will do it to anyone. If they can starve us and lie to us, they will do it to anyone. If they can wrongfully imprison us, they will do it to anyone. Now, sadly, this is another Indian prophecy fulfilled. “We will do as we please.”
Our ancestors and tribal people all over the world prophesized a time of upheaval and great change. I believe that time is fast approaching. I believe a part of this is the government’s ongoing overreach of its authority—until the people rise up and tell Washington, “You will NOT do as you please! We are NOT your slaves! We will NOT be subjugated! We will NOT be ruled by an iron fist! We will NOT allow you to steal our liberty or our justice!"
My friends, my relatives, my supporters—Be a part of this latest, perhaps the last "Indian uprising". Make your voice heard! Be a part of the brave Movement to come, the Movement that will change the course of human history. Make change and hope and peace and justice a part of your personal legacy. Be the change that you envision and know in your heart must take place.
Do this, and on the day you take your last breath and prepare to meet Creator, you will know your life on this Earth was well spent. Close your eyes knowing you used your breath and energy to Creator’s good purpose. Smile as you cross over knowing you changed the world so that the next seven generations can know a good life. Do these things and know that I am with you. I will embrace you as my relations—in this life or the next.
Mitakuye Oyasin.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
It is that time again. Another year has passed, and on February 6th I will be marking 36 years since my arrest. During all this time, my family and allies have discovered just how far the government will go to wrongfully convict and imprison someone they know is innocent. They do this as a message—first to Indians, and further to anyone who might stand up to injustice—as if to say, “We will do as we please”.
From the day of my arrest until now, through you my supporters, I have been honored with many activist and humanitarian awards. I thank you for keeping awareness of me and my case alive. Your commitment has really been a special experience for me.
In addition many celebrities, political figures, and organizations have called for my release, including 55 members of Congress. This last November, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed a permanent resolution calling for my release. Well let’s hope its not that permanent. The NCAI has committed to being directly involved with my case so that the message from Washington to Indian people does not remain, “We will do as we please”.
Still, despite all this attention and with all the leaders and people of conscience calling for my release, I have been kept in this iron cage. They have even kept me longer than their own laws say they can. With evidence corroborating that I did not receive a fair trial, with proof of government misconduct, with admissions by government officials that they do not know who killed those two agents that day at the Jumping Bull property, here I sit. “We will do as we please.”
Recently, as many of you know, an act was passed and signed into law that allows for indefinite detention of American citizens without charge or trial. This is perhaps the final straw, the final nail in the coffin of American freedom, the end of habeas corpus and due process. “We will do as we please.”
We Indians said it for generations: If they can kill us indiscriminately, they will do it to anyone. If they can take our land, they will do it to anyone. If they can kidnap our children and take them to prison schools, they will do it to anyone. If they can starve us and lie to us, they will do it to anyone. If they can wrongfully imprison us, they will do it to anyone. Now, sadly, this is another Indian prophecy fulfilled. “We will do as we please.”
Our ancestors and tribal people all over the world prophesized a time of upheaval and great change. I believe that time is fast approaching. I believe a part of this is the government’s ongoing overreach of its authority—until the people rise up and tell Washington, “You will NOT do as you please! We are NOT your slaves! We will NOT be subjugated! We will NOT be ruled by an iron fist! We will NOT allow you to steal our liberty or our justice!"
My friends, my relatives, my supporters—Be a part of this latest, perhaps the last "Indian uprising". Make your voice heard! Be a part of the brave Movement to come, the Movement that will change the course of human history. Make change and hope and peace and justice a part of your personal legacy. Be the change that you envision and know in your heart must take place.
Do this, and on the day you take your last breath and prepare to meet Creator, you will know your life on this Earth was well spent. Close your eyes knowing you used your breath and energy to Creator’s good purpose. Smile as you cross over knowing you changed the world so that the next seven generations can know a good life. Do these things and know that I am with you. I will embrace you as my relations—in this life or the next.
Mitakuye Oyasin.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
Saturday, February 4, 2012
12 Hours Left: Buy Now and Support Freedom for Leonard Peltier
Special T-shirt offer! Last chance to receive a 20 percent discount plus a free Peltier pin. Shipping free for domestic orders. Offer ends on Saturday, 04 February, at midnight! Choose Broken Treaty or Visions of Freedom and place your order today!
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/shop.htm
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/shop.htm
Eugene, OR: In Solidarity with Leonard Peltier
Eugene, Oregon: Standout on 04 February at 1:00 pm at Wayne Morse Free Speech plaza followed by a rally at the federal building. Speakers, music by Alice DiMicele and street theatre.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Petition for the release of the American Indian civil rights activist Leonard Peltier
Start zum internationalen Aktionstag am 4. Februar:
Unterschriftensammlung für die Freilassung des indianischen Bürgerrechtlers Leonard Peltier
Leonard Peltier (67) gehörte zur Führung der indianischen Bürgerrechtsbewegung American Indian Movement (AIM), als er 1977 nach einem bis heute hoch umstrittenen Prozess wegen Mord an zwei FBI-Agenten zu zweimal lebenslänglicher Haft verurteilt wurde. Seit 35 Jahren ist er unschuldig in Haft. Eine Belastungszeugin wurde massiv vom FBI unter Druck gesetzt, gegen Peltier auszusagen. Diese Zeugin widerrief ihre Aussage später; trotzdem weigern sich die US-Behörden bis heute, das Verfahren wieder aufzunehmen. Der Rechtsweg ist erschöpft. Die letzte Hoffnung für Leonard Peltier ist daher die Begnadigung durch Präsident Obama.
Leonard Peltier, geboren am 12. September 1944 in Grand Forks, Nord Dakota/ USA, ist Anishinabe und Dakota/Lakota. 1975 war er im Pine Ridge Reservat der Oglala Lakota in Süd Dakota, als dort im Zuge eine Schießerei zwei FBI-Agenten und ein junger Indianer zu Tode kamen. In einem Prozess, dessen Beweisführung zu einem Gutteil auf Falschaussagen und manipulierten Beweisen beruhte, wurde er 1977 zu zweimal lebenslänglich verurteilt.
Trotz eingestandener Verfahrensfehler und obwohl die US-Behörden inzwischen zugeben, dass sie nicht wissen, wer vor mehr als 30 Jahren die tödlichen Schüsse abgegeben hat, sind alle Versuche der Anwälte Peltiers, ein neues Verfahren zu erwirken, bislang gescheitert. Angesichts seiner langen Haftzeit und der allseits konstatierten guten Führung hätte er ohnehin schon lange vorzeitig auf Bewährung entlassen werden müssen. Die zuständige Kommission besteht als Voraussetzung aber auf einem Schuldeingeständnis - für eine Tat, die er nicht begangen hat.
Während seiner Haftzeit wurde der Verfechter indianischer Menschenrechte zu einem anerkannten Maler und Schriftsteller. 1986 erlitt er einen Schlaganfall. Auf dem linken Auge hat er danach 80% der Sehkraft verloren. Er ist an Diabetes erkrankt, leidet unter hohem Blutdruck. Nicht bestätigt hat sich dagegen der Verdacht auf eine Krebserkrankung.
Viele Prominente wie Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Nelson Mandela oder Robert Redford setzten sich ebenso für ihn ein, wie der jüdische „Nazijäger“ Simon Wiesenthal oder Abgeordnete des Deutschen Bundestages und des Europaparlamentes. Auch. Richter Gerald Heaney, der in zwei Berufungsverfahren den Vorsitz führte, bat den damaligen US-Präsidenten Clinton schriftlich, das Urteil gegen Peltier aufzuheben und Peltier zu begnadigen. Doch Clinton beugte sich dem Druck des FBI und strich den Namen des Bürgerrechtlers kurz vor der Amtsübergabe an George Bush im Januar 2001 wieder von der Liste der Begnadigungen.
Peltier, der bereits als Amerikas Mandela bezeichnet wurde, wird von der Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker, von Amnesty International und anderen Menschenrechtsorganisationen als politischer Gefangener betrachtet.
Das „Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee“, das sich seit Jahren um die Freilassung des Aktivisten bemüht und weltweit Aktionen koordiniert, hat einen „Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights“ organisiert, der am 18. Dezember 2011 in Alcatraz Island, Kalifornien, gestartet ist und am 18. Mai 2012 in Washington D.C.mit einer Abschlusskundgebung enden wird (weitere Informationen dazu unter: www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/walk.htm).
Wir möchten Sie bitten, sich für die Begnadigung von Leonard Peltier einzusetzen und sich in unsere Unterschriftenliste einzutragen. Der Brief wird mit den gesammelten Unterschriften am 18. Mai 2012 zum Abschluss des „Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights“ an Präsident Obama geschickt.
Link zur Unterschriftenliste
http://www.gfbv.de/unterschrlis.php?id=17&stayInsideTree=1
Diese Aktion auf Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Gesellschaft-f%C3%BCr-bedrohte-V%C3%B6lker-GfbV/241161229936
#############################################
International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier - 04 February 2012
Petition for the release of the American Indian civil rights activist Leonard Peltier
Leonard Peltier (67) was one of the leaders of the American Indian Movement (AIM) when in 1977, after a trial that is still the subject of dispute, he was condemned to serve two life sentences for the murder of two FBI agents. He has spent 35 years in prison as an innocent man. A prosecution witness who was put under very heavy pressure by the FBI to give evidence against Peltier later retracted her testimony. Nevertheless the US authorities have continued to uphold the trial result. All judicial means of appeal has now been exhausted. The only hope remaining for Leonard Peltier is a pardon from President Obama.
Leonard Peltier, who was born on 12 September 1944 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA, is Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota. In 1975 he was present on the Pine Ridge Reservation of the Oglala Lakota in South Dakota when two FBI agents and a young Native American were killed in a shoot-out. In the court case that followed, in which a large part of the evidence was based on inaccurate testimony and manipulated evidence, he was sentenced to two sentences of life imprisonment.
In spite of admitted procedural errors and even though the US authorities have since admitted that they do not know who actually fired the fatal shots over 30 years ago, all efforts by Peltier's lawyers to obtain a retrial have so far failed. Given the length of time he has spent in detention and his generally noted good conduct, he should have qualified for parole long ago. The Parole Commission makes it a precondition that he must first acknowledge his guilt - for a crime that he did not commit.
During his time in detention the advocate for Native American human rights has become a respected artist and writer. In 1986 he had a stroke and has subsequently lost 80% of the sight in his left eye. He suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure and the possibility that he may also have cancer has not been ruled out.
Many prominent individuals, including Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Nelson Mandela and Robert Redford, have spoken out on Leonard Peltier's behalf, as have the Jewish "Nazi Hunter" Simon Wiesenthal and members of the German and European Parliaments. Judge Gerald Heaney, who presided over two appeal hearings, wrote to the then US President Bill Clinton asking him to annul Peltier's conviction and pardon him. However Clinton bowed to pressure from the FBI and shortly before handing over office to George Bush in January 2001 he removed the civil rights activist's name from the amnesty list.
Peltier, who has been referred to as "America's Mandela", is considered a political prisoner by Society for Threatened Peoples/ Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker, Amnesty International and other human rights organanisations.
The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee, which has been campaigning for years for the activist's release and is responsible for coordinating activities worldwide, has organised a Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights which set out from Alcatraz Island in California on 18 December 2011 and is due to end with a closing rally in Washington D.C. on 18 May 2012 (more information available at: www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/walk.htm).
Please join us in calling for a pardon for Leonard Peltier and add your signature to our list of signatures addressed to President Obama. The letter and all the signatures collected will be sent to President Obama on 18 May 2012 at the end of the Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights.
Link List of signatures
http://www.gfbv.de/unterschrlis.php?id=17&stayInsideTree=1
This campaign on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Gesellschaft-f%C3%BCr-bedrohte-V%C3%B6lker-GfbV/241161229936
--
Yvonne Bangert
Referat indigene Voelker / Indigenous Peoples Dpt.
Gesellschaft fuer bedrohte Voelker e.V. (GfbV)
Society for Threatened Peoples (STP)
P.O.Box 2024
D - 37010 Goettingen
Fon: +49 (0)551 499 06 -14
Fax: +49 (0)551 58 028
E-Mail: indigene@gfbv.de
Internet: www.gfbv.de
Unterschriftensammlung für die Freilassung des indianischen Bürgerrechtlers Leonard Peltier
Leonard Peltier (67) gehörte zur Führung der indianischen Bürgerrechtsbewegung American Indian Movement (AIM), als er 1977 nach einem bis heute hoch umstrittenen Prozess wegen Mord an zwei FBI-Agenten zu zweimal lebenslänglicher Haft verurteilt wurde. Seit 35 Jahren ist er unschuldig in Haft. Eine Belastungszeugin wurde massiv vom FBI unter Druck gesetzt, gegen Peltier auszusagen. Diese Zeugin widerrief ihre Aussage später; trotzdem weigern sich die US-Behörden bis heute, das Verfahren wieder aufzunehmen. Der Rechtsweg ist erschöpft. Die letzte Hoffnung für Leonard Peltier ist daher die Begnadigung durch Präsident Obama.
Leonard Peltier, geboren am 12. September 1944 in Grand Forks, Nord Dakota/ USA, ist Anishinabe und Dakota/Lakota. 1975 war er im Pine Ridge Reservat der Oglala Lakota in Süd Dakota, als dort im Zuge eine Schießerei zwei FBI-Agenten und ein junger Indianer zu Tode kamen. In einem Prozess, dessen Beweisführung zu einem Gutteil auf Falschaussagen und manipulierten Beweisen beruhte, wurde er 1977 zu zweimal lebenslänglich verurteilt.
Trotz eingestandener Verfahrensfehler und obwohl die US-Behörden inzwischen zugeben, dass sie nicht wissen, wer vor mehr als 30 Jahren die tödlichen Schüsse abgegeben hat, sind alle Versuche der Anwälte Peltiers, ein neues Verfahren zu erwirken, bislang gescheitert. Angesichts seiner langen Haftzeit und der allseits konstatierten guten Führung hätte er ohnehin schon lange vorzeitig auf Bewährung entlassen werden müssen. Die zuständige Kommission besteht als Voraussetzung aber auf einem Schuldeingeständnis - für eine Tat, die er nicht begangen hat.
Während seiner Haftzeit wurde der Verfechter indianischer Menschenrechte zu einem anerkannten Maler und Schriftsteller. 1986 erlitt er einen Schlaganfall. Auf dem linken Auge hat er danach 80% der Sehkraft verloren. Er ist an Diabetes erkrankt, leidet unter hohem Blutdruck. Nicht bestätigt hat sich dagegen der Verdacht auf eine Krebserkrankung.
Viele Prominente wie Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Nelson Mandela oder Robert Redford setzten sich ebenso für ihn ein, wie der jüdische „Nazijäger“ Simon Wiesenthal oder Abgeordnete des Deutschen Bundestages und des Europaparlamentes. Auch. Richter Gerald Heaney, der in zwei Berufungsverfahren den Vorsitz führte, bat den damaligen US-Präsidenten Clinton schriftlich, das Urteil gegen Peltier aufzuheben und Peltier zu begnadigen. Doch Clinton beugte sich dem Druck des FBI und strich den Namen des Bürgerrechtlers kurz vor der Amtsübergabe an George Bush im Januar 2001 wieder von der Liste der Begnadigungen.
Peltier, der bereits als Amerikas Mandela bezeichnet wurde, wird von der Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker, von Amnesty International und anderen Menschenrechtsorganisationen als politischer Gefangener betrachtet.
Das „Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee“, das sich seit Jahren um die Freilassung des Aktivisten bemüht und weltweit Aktionen koordiniert, hat einen „Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights“ organisiert, der am 18. Dezember 2011 in Alcatraz Island, Kalifornien, gestartet ist und am 18. Mai 2012 in Washington D.C.mit einer Abschlusskundgebung enden wird (weitere Informationen dazu unter: www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/walk.htm).
Wir möchten Sie bitten, sich für die Begnadigung von Leonard Peltier einzusetzen und sich in unsere Unterschriftenliste einzutragen. Der Brief wird mit den gesammelten Unterschriften am 18. Mai 2012 zum Abschluss des „Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights“ an Präsident Obama geschickt.
Link zur Unterschriftenliste
http://www.gfbv.de/unterschrlis.php?id=17&stayInsideTree=1
Diese Aktion auf Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Gesellschaft-f%C3%BCr-bedrohte-V%C3%B6lker-GfbV/241161229936
#############################################
International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier - 04 February 2012
Petition for the release of the American Indian civil rights activist Leonard Peltier
Leonard Peltier (67) was one of the leaders of the American Indian Movement (AIM) when in 1977, after a trial that is still the subject of dispute, he was condemned to serve two life sentences for the murder of two FBI agents. He has spent 35 years in prison as an innocent man. A prosecution witness who was put under very heavy pressure by the FBI to give evidence against Peltier later retracted her testimony. Nevertheless the US authorities have continued to uphold the trial result. All judicial means of appeal has now been exhausted. The only hope remaining for Leonard Peltier is a pardon from President Obama.
Leonard Peltier, who was born on 12 September 1944 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA, is Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota. In 1975 he was present on the Pine Ridge Reservation of the Oglala Lakota in South Dakota when two FBI agents and a young Native American were killed in a shoot-out. In the court case that followed, in which a large part of the evidence was based on inaccurate testimony and manipulated evidence, he was sentenced to two sentences of life imprisonment.
In spite of admitted procedural errors and even though the US authorities have since admitted that they do not know who actually fired the fatal shots over 30 years ago, all efforts by Peltier's lawyers to obtain a retrial have so far failed. Given the length of time he has spent in detention and his generally noted good conduct, he should have qualified for parole long ago. The Parole Commission makes it a precondition that he must first acknowledge his guilt - for a crime that he did not commit.
During his time in detention the advocate for Native American human rights has become a respected artist and writer. In 1986 he had a stroke and has subsequently lost 80% of the sight in his left eye. He suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure and the possibility that he may also have cancer has not been ruled out.
Many prominent individuals, including Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando, Nelson Mandela and Robert Redford, have spoken out on Leonard Peltier's behalf, as have the Jewish "Nazi Hunter" Simon Wiesenthal and members of the German and European Parliaments. Judge Gerald Heaney, who presided over two appeal hearings, wrote to the then US President Bill Clinton asking him to annul Peltier's conviction and pardon him. However Clinton bowed to pressure from the FBI and shortly before handing over office to George Bush in January 2001 he removed the civil rights activist's name from the amnesty list.
Peltier, who has been referred to as "America's Mandela", is considered a political prisoner by Society for Threatened Peoples/ Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker, Amnesty International and other human rights organanisations.
The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee, which has been campaigning for years for the activist's release and is responsible for coordinating activities worldwide, has organised a Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights which set out from Alcatraz Island in California on 18 December 2011 and is due to end with a closing rally in Washington D.C. on 18 May 2012 (more information available at: www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/walk.htm).
Please join us in calling for a pardon for Leonard Peltier and add your signature to our list of signatures addressed to President Obama. The letter and all the signatures collected will be sent to President Obama on 18 May 2012 at the end of the Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights.
Link List of signatures
http://www.gfbv.de/unterschrlis.php?id=17&stayInsideTree=1
This campaign on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Gesellschaft-f%C3%BCr-bedrohte-V%C3%B6lker-GfbV/241161229936
--
Yvonne Bangert
Referat indigene Voelker / Indigenous Peoples Dpt.
Gesellschaft fuer bedrohte Voelker e.V. (GfbV)
Society for Threatened Peoples (STP)
P.O.Box 2024
D - 37010 Goettingen
Fon: +49 (0)551 499 06 -14
Fax: +49 (0)551 58 028
E-Mail: indigene@gfbv.de
Internet: www.gfbv.de
International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier
To mark the anniversary of Leonard Peltier's arrest in 1976, events have been scheduled worldwide 03-08 February. Please participate. For a complete listing of events, see:
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/04FebSolidarity.htm.
Can't attend an event?
Write a letter or send an e-mail to the White House to ask President Obama to release Leonard Peltier. See: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/whitehouse.htm.
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/04FebSolidarity.htm.
Can't attend an event?
Write a letter or send an e-mail to the White House to ask President Obama to release Leonard Peltier. See: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/whitehouse.htm.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Internat'l Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier: Rapid City, SD, 06 Feb.
Rapid City, South Dakota: SD celebrates International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier on 06 February at the federal building at 515 9th Street, Rapid City, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Speakers. Drum groups and singers welcome. Bring your banners.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Lincoln, England: Musicians for Leonard Peltier
On 04 February, the "Musician's for Leonard Peltier Busking and information session" will be held at 16 Strubby Close, Doddington Park, Lincoln LN6 3YU, from 2pm 'til late. Everyone is welcome to come and sing, play or just listen. And show our solidarity with our brother Leonard. Please bring your own refreshments.
Birmingham, England: 04 Feb. Vigil for Leonard Peltier
International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier
Saturday, 4th February 2012
Vigil 12 – 2pm
Victoria Square B3 3HQ
Birmingham, England
Saturday, 4th February 2012
Vigil 12 – 2pm
Victoria Square B3 3HQ
Birmingham, England
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