Native American activist Leonard Peltier is set for a parole hearing, his first in 15 years, as he continues to maintain his innocence in the murders of two FBI agents in 1975. His lawyer states that Peltier is in good spirits and sees this as his last chance for release. Over the years, prominent figures such as Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama have supported Peltier’s release, citing concerns about the fairness of his trial, his age, declining health, and nonviolent record in prison.
The FBI and Justice Department have opposed Peltier’s release, citing the brutality of the crimes and his lack of remorse. Despite assertions of minimal evidence in his conviction and appeals from retired federal prosecutor James Reynolds, the FBI maintains that the conviction was rightly obtained. Peltier has expressed hope that mounting pressure from Democratic members of Congress will convince President Joe Biden to grant him clemency and possibly allow for a new trial to prove his innocence.
Peltier falls into a small category of elderly federal prisoners who can petition for parole due to committing offenses before November 1987. The parole process involves a hearing examiner, who reviews the case and hearing from witnesses, as well as at least one other examiner and a parole commissioner. The Parole Commission, which typically has five members but has been operating with only two since 2018, ultimately makes the decision about whether to grant parole. With fewer commissioners, some experts argue that the process lacks meaningful parole appeal rights.
Peltier’s supporters are hopeful for his release but also recognize that Biden could still have him released on compassionate grounds. The hearing will include medical and re-entry experts to support Peltier’s case for parole, as well as letters from his community and prominent figures. Despite the long-standing resistance from the federal government to Peltier’s bids for parole, his supporters remain optimistic about the outcome of the hearing and his potential for release back into the community.
