1. United States
2. Letter

Commute Leonard Peltier's unjust sentence - Restorative Justice Act Leonard Peltier, a 79-year-old Native American rights activist, has been unjustly imprisoned for nearly 50 years. Mr Peltier is in poor health and is currently hospitalized for diabetic related illnesses, possibly requiring the amputation of both feet. While incarcerated he has been denied proactive medical care. Despite lack of evidence directly linking him to the crime and serious misconduct by federal prosecutors during his trial, including hiding exculpatory evidence and coercing witnesses, he remains incarcerated. The prosecutor who convicted Mr Peltier asked President Obama to consider commutation of sentence because of the misconduct of the FBI. Parole has been repeatedly denied despite the fact that he is not a threat to society. Many people convicted of more heinous crimes with better evidence are released every day. This is a travesty of justice and a stain on America's record with Indigenous peoples. I urge you to exercise your authority as President to address this gross injustice by commuting Leonard Peltier's sentence. His prolonged imprisonment flies in the face of the principles of mercy, human rights, and reconciliation that your administration purports to uphold, especially in its dealings with Native communities. Releasing an ailing elder who has already served decades would be a powerful act of restorative justice.