[Ppnews] Leonard Peltier’s Statement at the Day of Justice

[Political Prisoner News]

Leonard Peltier's Statement at the Day of Justice

Fargo, N.D. Nov. 28th, 2008

It is ironic that in April 1977, I was tried here in Fargo. And then 
31 years later to the month, my newly formed defense offense 
committee was founded here. It is no coincidence, and it may surprise 
people that I believe we are coming full circle and that my time of 
freedom is near.

I know that 31 years ago, many people in this town were mislead into 
believing that the American Indian Movement was a 
communist-infiltrated organization and that they were going to launch 
a massive military styled assault upon the federal courthouse.

Everyone knows that hindsight is 20-20, and since then many of the 
jury members learned the government with held evidence from them. 
Federal Appeals Court Judge, Gerald Heaney said that had the withheld 
evidence had been presented to the jury; it is possible they would 
have rendered a different verdict. This piece of evidence exonerated 
me from being the killer because the gun did not match the shell 
casings found at the scene. Without any evidence, the prosecutor 
admitted that they did not know who killed the agents and they can't 
prove who did. But it was due to a legal technicality that the court 
did not grant me a new trial.

Since then books pointing out the FBI misconduct is well documented, 
supported by documentaries. I would ask the people of Fargo to take a 
close look at what all transpired in my case and is this the kind of 
justice you would want for yourself or your family member? Millions 
of people worldwide have looked at the same information and have 
called for my right to Justice. Today here in Fargo, N.D., on Native 
American Heritage Day and a Day of Justice, my friends and family 
want to remind you that long ago, my good friend, the late Lew 
Gurwitz said, "this is a case that is not going to go away." And it hasn't.

We are here to create awareness and educate the people of Fargo and 
the world that my continued imprisonment is wrong. If they can look 
at all the facts, I would hope that this community would support my 
committee in this campaign.

I want to thank the people in the committee, my sister & niece, Betty 
Ann & Kari Ann. I want to thank Russell Means and my daughter Lisa 
for being here. As well as everyone present, this means so much to me 
to have everyone here where this travesty started and I know that 
each and everyone of you will work hard and loyally, but always 
remember that you also do this for yourself and your loved ones. My 
case has proven to what lengths beyond the law of what a government 
will do if they want to target someone. If it wasn't me, it could be 
any one of you. Mitakuye Oyasin All My Relations!

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,

Leonard Peltier

contact at whoisleonardpeltier.info



Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

415 863-9977

www.Freedomarchives.org  
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