#LeonardPeltier Denied Parole: #NDNCollective Responds
By NDN Collective • July 2, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2024
Rapid City, South Dakota – "Today, NDN Collective and millions of people across #IndianCountry are devastated to learn that Leonard Peltier, an #activist and member of the #AmericanIndianMovement (#AIM), has been denied #parole by the United States Parole Commission. The Commission issued the decision today after a parole hearing on June 10 at the United States Penitentiary Coleman I in #Florida, where Mr. Peltier is currently incarcerated.
"'Today is a sad day for #IndigenousPeoples and #justice everywhere. The U.S. Parole Commission’s denial of parole for Leonard Peltier, America’s longest serving #Indigenous political prisoner, is a travesty,' said Nick Tilsen, president and CEO of NDN Collective. 'They denied parole to a survivor of genocidal Indian #BoardingSchools as he struggles to survive this unjust incarceration, they insist on holding him for a crime for which they have no physical evidence against him. Clearly, the Parole Commission – which is supposed to be an independent body – was influenced by the #FBI. The FBI continues to abuse its power, promote false narratives, and engage in counterintelligence activities. The FBI has no regard for the Constitution or the laws they have sworn an oath to protect.'
"'This decision is consistent with how the #UnitedStates government has treated the Indigenous Peoples of these lands. They have broken every promise they have ever made to our Nations, and have ignored their Constitution in order to erode the civil and #HumanRights rights of #Native people. But while we are heartbroken by the parole commission’s decision, our work to ensure that Leonard will receive justice and freedom will continue with renewed dedication,' Tilsen said.
"Leonard Peltier, a member of the #TurtleMountainBand of #Chippewa Indians, is in his 49th year of imprisonment. He stands as a symbol of the ongoing #racism and oppression against Native Americans in the United States criminal justice system, issues that Leonard fought against in the 1970’s and throughout his incarceration.
"NDN Collective will continue to demand freedom for Leonard Peltier as his attorneys file an appeal of this decision. The organization will also continue its advocacy for a grant of clemency from President #JoeBiden.
Read more:
https://ndncollective.org/leonard-peltier-denied-parole-ndn-collective-responds/
#ACAB #FreeLeonardPeltier #JusticeForLeonardPeltier