Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist convicted of killing two federal agents in a 1975 shootout, has been denied parole once again by the U.S. Parole Commission. Despite ongoing claims from supporters that he did not receive a fair trial and was wrongly convicted, the decision to keep him in prison stands.
Peltier, now 79 years old, was sentenced to two life terms for his involvement in the deadly confrontation between activists and F.B.I. agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Two agents and one activist lost their lives in the exchange of gunfire. Peltier’s health has deteriorated significantly in recent years due to various health issues, including multiple bouts of Covid-19, a stroke, and an aortic aneurysm.
Advocates for Peltier, including members of Congress, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, former prosecutors, and even the judge who originally sentenced him, argue that the case against him was tainted. They claim that witnesses were coerced by F.B.I. agents and that crucial evidence that could have proven his innocence was withheld by prosecutors.
James Mazzola, deputy director of research at Amnesty International USA, expressed sympathy for the families of the slain federal agents but emphasized that keeping Peltier behind bars does not equate to justice. Supporters of Peltier have made numerous attempts throughout the years to secure his release through parole, presidential pardon, or commutation of his sentence.
In 2022, F.B.I. Director Christopher Wray wrote a letter to the Justice Department strongly opposing any form of clemency for Peltier. The fight for Peltier’s freedom continues, with his supporters vowing to keep advocating on his behalf despite the latest setback in his parole bid.