As one of his last acts in office, US President Joe Biden announced pardons for convicted criminals. That meant reduced sentences and, in some cases, releases. Some musicians were also happy about Leonard Peltier’s pardon.
“A good thing on January 20, 2025,” wrote Roger Waters. “On Biden’s last terrible day. And Trump’s first terrible day. LEONARD PELTIER IS FREE.”
Roger Waters on X:
Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine wrote: “Leonard has become a friend over the years. And I’m so glad that, at 80 and in poor health, he can spend his remaining years with family and friends.”
Who is Leonard Peltier?
Leonard Peltier is an Indigenous activist born September 12, 1944 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He belongs to the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Dakota Sioux and was traditionally adopted by the Lakota.
In the 1970s, Peltier became involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM). An organization that advocates for the rights of indigenous people in the USA. On June 26, 1975, there was a shootout between AIM members and FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams were killed. Peltier was arrested in this context and sentenced to two life sentences in 1977 for the murder of the two agents.
Concerns about the fairness of the process
Leonard Peltier’s conviction was controversial from the start. There were significant concerns about the fairness of the process. Including the allegation that exculpatory evidence was withheld by the prosecution. In addition, witness statements were obtained under questionable circumstances. Amnesty International therefore considered Peltier a political prisoner. And repeatedly called for his release.
On January 20, 2025, President Joe Biden commuted Peltier’s sentence to house arrest. This decision was welcomed by supporters. However, it was sharply criticized by law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI Agents Association, as a “cruel betrayal of the families.”
Peltier is now 80 years old and is considered to be in poor health. Of course, he was still relieved: “It’s finally over – I’m going home,” he said in a statement.
Rage Against The Machine have long campaigned for Peltier’s release from prison. Her 1993 song “Freedom” addresses his imprisonment.
RATM shared their joy on social media:
“Anger is a gift. Leonard Peltier will be released.”
Guitarist Tom Morello issued his own statement, writing on social media: “LEONARD PELTIER IS COMING HOME!! For nearly five decades, human rights organizations, Native American activists, everyday people, and bands like RATM have advocated for the release of political prisoner Leonard Peltier.
Tom Morello on Instagram:
Drummer Brad Wilk also uploaded a post in which he wrote: “After almost 50 years of unjust imprisonment, Leonard Peltier has finally been granted a pardon! Ever since the first RATM video […] to the demonstrations in the streets of New York at the end of Clinton’s term and beyond, we have hoped for that day of mercy and justice for Peltier that has finally arrived.”
Brad Wilk on Instagram:
One of the pictures he shared, Wilk explained: “The necklace in picture 7 was made by Leonard for me in prison. He made one for all four of us after we released the ‘Freedom’ video. Unreal. It feels bittersweet. But Leonard Peltier will finally get justice.”