URGENT: LETTER DRIVE FOR PELTIER'S PAROLE

Dear Friends,

Leonard Peltier's next interim parole hearing has been scheduled for July
1st, 2002. Letters of support are urgently needed.

An interim parole hearing is different from a regular parole hearing. Its
purpose is to review the Parole Commission's original decision to deny
parole to see if any new developments warrant a change. The Commission can
do one of three things: affirm the original decision to deny parole and
leave the next full hearing date (2008) in place (the most common scenario);
accelerate or postpone the next full hearing date; or grant parole (the
rarest scenario).

As many of you have experienced, the Parole Commission does not treat these
hearings with any seriousness or fairness. During the last hearing, the
Parole Examiner wrote his recommendation that Leonard not be granted parole
while Leonard's representatives were still making their presentations.
However, it is critical that we maintain a strong showing of support for
Leonard's release. We DO NOT want to give the Commission or prison
officials the false impression that Leonard Peltier's support is dwindling.
This showing of support is what keeps Leonard safe. Furthermore, we must
take full advantage of any opportunity to seek Leonard's release, even if
the chances for victory are slim. Let's gather as many letters as possible
and show officials that we have not and will not give up.

A sample letter that you can use if you'd like is below. If you can
personalize it that is even better. Please send your letters to the LPDC so
that we can track how many were submitted and compile them for presentation
to the Parole Commission.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

In Solidarity,

LPDC

Click here to learn about Leonard's parole status:
free peltier

Date

United States Parole Commission

5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 420

Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286

Re: LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the parole of Mr.
Leonard Peltier who is currently housed at the United States Penitentiary in
Leavenworth. Mr. Peltier has served more than 26 years in prison for the
deaths of FBI Agents, Ronald Williams and Jack Coler. I recognize the grave
nature of such an offense. My deepest sympathy is extended to the families
of these two agents.

After careful consideration of the facts in Mr. Peltier's case, I ask you to
grant Mr. Peltier parole. I note that the United States attorneys and the
courts have long held that they do not know who killed Mr. Coler or Mr.
Williams. In spite of this fact, Mr. Peltier has served more than 26 years
in prison for their deaths. Although Mr. Peltier maintains that he did not
kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their
deaths. Mr. Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for
non-violence throughout his prison term. Mr. Peltier does not represent a
risk to the public. To the contrary, his release would help to heal a wound
that has long impeded better relations with Native Americans.

Furthermore, Mr. Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received
excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He
continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean
and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to
be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Most admirably, he
contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to
charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and
drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He
coordinates an annual gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation, which last year garnered more than 1,000 gifts. He is widely
recognized in the human rights community for his good deeds and in turn has
won several human rights awards, including the 2001 Ontario Federation of
Labour Human Rights Award and a current nomination for the Right to
Livelihood Award.

Lastly, I note my deep concern with Mr. Peltier's health. He is now 57
years of age and he suffers from partial blindness, diabetes, a heart
condition, and high blood pressure. Mr. Peltier deserves to live the
remaining years of his life in peace.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

(Your signature here)

Until Freedom Is Won!

The New Peltier Justice Campaign

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

PO Box 583

Lawrence, KS 66044

785-842-5774

www.freepeltier.org