Parole Hearing Held July 28 for
LEONARD PELTIER
Imprisoned Native American Activist
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/index1.htm
UPDATE ON PAROLE HEARING!
In spite of scorching temps and humidity, there were several hundred people who attended and waited for several hours until attorney Eric Seitz came out and addressed the crowd. He said the FBI did not have anything new to say but that he was able to present some additional evidence on Leonard's behalf to the board. Leonard spoke with the board and answered questions for 1-1/2 hours. The hearing officer said he would look over his documentation and make a recommendation within 24-48 hours, at which time the parole board has up to 3 weeks to make a final determination. Leonard has expressed his thanks for all of the efforts made on his behalf today. Eric Seitz said he feels "optimistic."
We are receiving an outpouring of support from around the world, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu even today...
THANK YOU for getting the word out, please continue your efforts!
Here are some other things you can do to help Leonard!
The White House Comment Line (202-456-1111) has been busy all day; we have been provided another option. You can call the main White House line, which is 202-456-1414 which will get you into the system, and you'll be prompted to indicate that you want the comment line. Even though you'll probably be on hold for a few minutes, at least you will be able to leave your comment.
if you're feeling uneasy about case details - please take time to listen to our brother Wanbli. Broadcast was yesterday. Web site is: http://www.nativetube.com/video/535/Leonard-Peltier-FIRST-VOICES
http://www.dailyitem.com/0100_news/local_story_209234743.html
Rally calls for justice for Leonard Peltier
By Brett R. Crossley
The Daily Item
July 28, 2009 11:50 pm
— LEWISBURG — Protesters lined the southwest corner of Route 15 and
“The reason we are here is to bring attention to the illegal, immoral and unjust incarceration of Leonard Peltier that has been going on for 35 years,” said Dave Hill, organizer of the protest. “Today, there is a parole hearing, and he could be freed this time. We are here in solidarity with the people trying to free him, and we are here in solidarity with Leonard Peltier.”
Peltier, who is serving two life sentences for the deaths of two FBI agents during a 1975 standoff in South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, is being held in the Lewisburg Penitentiary. William Penn Drive leads to the institution in Kelly Township,
Bill Carter, a Washington, D.C.-based FBI spokesman, said: “Today was merely a hearing to review the parole request. The hearing was over at 1 p.m. Out of this hearing will come a recommendation that will be made before a full parole panel as to how to proceed. As I understand it, those recommendations will be made within 21 days.”
Because the hearing officials still are deliberating, Carter declined to say anything else. When the panel makes a recommendation, he said, the FBI will issue a statement.
Peltier’s attorney, Eric Seitz, agreed with the timing. He expects a decision from the
Peltier was convicted in
Peltier grew up on the
“We are trying to educate people,” Hill said. “If you don’t ask questions, you’ll never get answers. As we talk to the press, the news goes out, and people will start investigating.”
Peltier’s sister attended the rally to lend her voice to those seeking her brother’s release. “I am really confident they will do the right thing and obey their laws,” Betty Solano said. “I need my brother. I need him home. Enough is enough. He is an innocent man, and it has gone on long enough.”
Peltier’s only other shot at parole came when the
“It would be my dream come true if he walked through the gates today,” Solano said. “It makes me proud and humble. I feel so proud of my brother that so many people care for him. All he wants to do is help his people.”
Solano lives in Fargo, N.D., and works as the coordinator for the Peltier defense committee. Despite being hundreds of miles away, Solano makes the long drive to see her brother a few times a month.
“We’ve been lucky to be able to see him a couple times a month,” she said. “When I lived in
Peltier was placed on the FBI’s 10 most-wanted list after the shootings. He was picked up in
“We have a stake in this because a man is in prison,” Hill said. “The government has lied, manufactured evidence, and even though this has been proved and recognized in court, they’ve done that and you don’t get a new trial? If you don’t get a retrial, then that jeopardizes the right to a fair trial for all people.”
John Trimbach, the son of an FBI agent who was at Pine Ridge, says Peltier should not be freed until he admits responsibility for what happened and shows remorse.
With reporting by staff writer Rick Dandes. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
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D.K. Dyson, of
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"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs
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