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URGE CLEMENCY FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ACTIVIST

UA: Seventeenth UA 16.19
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This action ended on January 20, 2025
Native American activist, Leonard Peltier, has been imprisoned in the USA for nearly 50 years, some of which was spent in solitary confinement, serving two life sentences for murder despite serious and ongoing concerns over the fairness of his trial. He has always maintained his innocence. Now 79 years old, he contracted COVID-19 in 2022 and suffers from several chronic health ailments, including one that is potentially fatal. He was denied parole on July 2, 2024. We urge President Biden to grant Leonard Peltier clemency on humanitarian grounds and as a matter of justice. 

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: January 20, 2025 

take action:

  • Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
  • Click here to let us know the actions you took on Seventh Urgent Action 16.19. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

contact information:

President Joseph Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20500 USA

White House Comment line: (202) 456-1111

Webform*: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

* A US-based address is needed for the White House webform.

International action takers, please use AI USA’s address when filling out:

Amnesty International USA

311 West 43rd St. 7th Floor,

New York, NY 10036 USA

sample letter:

Dear President Biden,

Leonard Peltier is a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), which promotes Native American rights. In 1975, during a confrontation involving AIM members, two FBI agents were killed. Leonard Peltier was convicted of their murders but has always denied killing the agents.

There are serious and ongoing concerns about the fairness of the trial and conviction, including for example the prosecution’s withholding of evidence that might have assisted Leonard Peltier’s defense. In light of these concerns, the former US Attorney whose office handled the prosecution, James Reynolds, has since called for clemency.

Leonard Peltier was denied parole on July 2, 2024, after a hearing in which the government reportedly limited the witnesses, raising serious concerns about the fairness of parole process.

Leonard Peltier is now 79 years old, has spent nearly 50 years in prison and there are serious concerns about his deteriorating health.

I urge you to grant Leonard Peltier clemency on humanitarian grounds and as a matter of justice.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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