Washington, DC (Jan 20, 2025) – In a momentous act of justice, President Joseph R. Biden granted clemency to Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old Indigenous activist, member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and boarding school survivor who has spent nearly five decades in federal prison.
“This is a truly historic day,” declared NACDL President Christopher A. Wellborn of Rock Hill, S.C. who, in partnership with Indigenous leaders, notably Holly Cook Macarro, who leads Government Affairs for the NDN Collective, had sent President Biden a letter urging clemency for Mr. Peltier. “After decades of tireless advocacy by Indigenous communities, human rights organizations, and countless individuals from Nelson Mandela to Pope Francis, a measure of mercy has finally been served for Leonard Peltier. His conviction has long been a stain on the American justice system, a symbol of systemic racism and the erosion of due process.”
Wellborn continued, “Mr. Peltier's case has served as a stark reminder of the profound injustices faced by Indigenous peoples throughout our nation's history. His decades-long imprisonment is a testament to the urgent need for criminal legal reform and the recognition of Indigenous rights. President Biden's decision to grant clemency to Mr. Peltier sends a powerful message of hope and reconciliation.” “We applaud President Biden for his courage and compassion in this matter,” Wellborn concluded. “This act of clemency will not only bring a merciful measure of relief to Mr. Peltier and his family but will also serve as a beacon of hope for countless others who have been unjustly impacted by the criminal legal system.”
Contacts
Jonathan Hutson, NACDL Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications, 202-480-5343 or jhutson@nacdl.org
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.
