Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
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As a result of the joint efforts of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, the Leonard Peltier Support Group France, and the Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia Abu-Jamal, the former First Lady of France, and president of the NGO, France Libertes’ came to the U.S. on a fact finding mission on behalf of political prisoners, Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu Jamal. After meeting with government officials, MOVE, and Mumia Abu Jamal in Philadelphia, April 25th through the 28th, Mme Mitterand came to Washington D.C.

On the evening of April 28th, she, along with Sylvain Duez-Alesandrini, LPSG France coordinator, Bobby Castillo, of the LPDC, and Alex Peltier, granddaughter of Leonard Peltier spoke to Assistant Attorney General, James Robinson and three other members of the DOJ on Leonard’s case. Though the meeting was felt to be unproductive by those in attendance, a strong plea was made on Leonard’s behalf.

Mme Mitterand asked what the status was on the Justice Department’s review of Leonard’s clemency petition and pointed to the large mobilization behind his plight and the several governments and NGOs who are demanding his freedom. She explained that she had been contacting the Justice Department for years but never received any response. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, her intervention in person was received just as unresponsively and she was told that no information could be given unless it comes from Clinton himself.

Alex Peltier, age 15, made a strong plea for her Grandfather’s freedom by confidently reading a statement which she had prepared. Bobby Castillo challenged the continued incarceration of Peltier and pointed out some of the major discrepancies in his case such as withheld evidence, FBI report preparing for a paramilitary operation, governmental perjury, and FBI misconduct (including the fact that there were open containers of alcohol in one of the agent’s cars.) He also asked why the 64 Pine Ridge murders which occurred during the “reign of terror” have never been investigated. He too received no answers. The meeting ended when LPSG France Coordinator, Sylvain Duez-Alesandrini, brought attention to the government’s violation of International Laws and Covenants by their continued unjust imprisonment and denial of proper medical treatment to Peltier. Robinson responded by standing up and pleasantly saying goodbye to those in attendance.

The following morning a press conference organized by Amnesty International and the LPDC was held. Senator Daniel Inouye, Danielle Mitterand, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, William Schulz, Alex Peltier, Attorney, Jim Leonard, and Former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, addressed the press which included CNN, Pacifica, National Native News Association, Agence France Presse, La Jornada and several free lance reporters. During the conference, which was moderated by Bobby Castillo, Inouye made a compelling speech calling for Peltier’s immediate freedom and a Congressional investigation. Schulz reported on Amnesty International’s new position which states that Peltier should be immediately and unconditionally released. Alexandra Peltier, again, spoke strongly for her Grandfather. Clark spoke about the clemency petition, and Jim Leonard spoke on the parole. Mitterand explained why she was in the U.S. and what her plans were.

A luncheon with various NGOs organized by Kathryn Porter of the Human Rights Alliance followed. Jennifer Harbury, renowned human rights activist, lawyer and member of the LPDC Defense Team gave an eloquent presentation on the Peltier case. The various groups, including Physicians for Human Rights and the United Methodist Church then strategized ways in which they could best contribute to the movement to gain Leonard’s freedom and remedy his health situation.

A meeting with various Congress and Senate people was planned for the afternoon but was unfortunately canceled at the last minute due to the vote on Kosovo happening that day.

The following day Mme Mitterand, accompanied by LPSG France coordinator, Sylvain Duez-Alesandrini, LPDC staff member, Gina Chiala, and France Libertes’ member, Astrid Sobreiro visited with Leonard Peltier at Leavenworth Penitentiary.

The meeting went very well. Leonard explained the history of Native struggles such as fishing rights, relocation, environmental racism and treaty rights in the U.S. since the 1950s. He answered Mme Mitterand’s questions regarding his case, explained and demonstrated the condition of his jaw, and talked about his grandchildren. Mrs. Mitterand explained how she, France Libertes’ and other NGOs who she works with are planning to help win his freedom and she expressed her commitment to seeking justice on his behalf. After visiting Leonard she submitted a written request to the Warden to have Leonard transferred to the Mayo Clinic for proper treatment.

Mme Mitterand again addressed the press outside of Leavenworth after her visit. Bobby Castillo and Oglala survivor, Jean Day also spoke. In attendance was AP press, Rueters, Indian Country Today, the Kansas City Star, the Leavenworth Times, Topeka Capital Journal, and the KAW Valley Independent.

Later that evening an event sponsored by the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, and co-sponsored by Haskell Indian Nations University, First Nations Student Alliance, and the Pelathe Center took place at Haskell Indian Nations University. Danielle Mitterand addressed the crowd of over two hundred people and told them that we cannot remain indifferent while Leonard Peltier remains in prison. The New Dawn Native Dancers danced, Professor Cornel Pewewardy played an honoring song on the flute, Oglala survivors, Jean Day, Edgar Bear Runner, Jean Bordeaux Roach, and Leena Nelson gave testimony of their experiences during the reign of terror on Pine Ridge during the program which was hosted by Bobby Castillo and covered by the local Channel 6 News, the Kansan and Journal World.

We view this visit as a success and we are grateful to Danielle Mitterand and France Libertes’ for coming to the U.S. to investigate Leonard’s case. For over two years the media has been banned from interviewing Leonard but since Danielle Mitterand’s trip the ban seems to be lifted and quite a few media sources are being allowed in. Leonard’s case is again back into the press and as Danielle Mitterand said to Leonard, “your face is now imprinted in my mind and heart., I will see through my obligation to bring justice to your case.”

Danielle Mitterand works in coalition with Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights, and ADT Fourth World, all of whom have committed themselves to seeking justice for Leonard Peltier.

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