Biden Commutes Life Sentence of Indigenous Activist Leonard Peltier

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President Joe Biden has commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an Indigenous activist who has spent over 50 years in prison for the 1975 murders of two FBI agents in South Dakota. The commutation was announced shortly before Biden handed over power to Donald Trump on Monday. At 80 years old and in poor health, Peltier will now serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement, as he had previously been denied parole until 2026.

In a statement from the White House, Biden emphasized Peltier's advanced age and serious health conditions, noting the widespread support for clemency from tribal nations, lawmakers, and human rights organizations. Peltier has long maintained his innocence, and his case has drawn the attention of notable advocates such as Coretta Scott King and Nelson Mandela.

Peltier's conviction stemmed from a violent standoff between FBI agents and members of the American Indian Movement on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Critics of the prosecution point to misconduct and inadequate legal representation during the trial, arguing that critical evidence was withheld.

Following the commutation, Peltier expressed relief, stating, "It’s finally over – I’m going home," and expressed a desire to help his community. Nick Tilsen, a leader in the Indigenous rights movement, remarked that Peltier's freedom symbolizes the struggles and advocacy of Native American communities over the decades.

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