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All Rights Reserved

Statement From the Federal Bureau of Prisons Regarding the Current Status of Inmate Leonard Peltier (89637-132)

(Inmate Peltier has given his consent to release the following information.)

Press Release from the
Federal Bureau of Prisons
February 26, 1999

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is receiving many inquiries regarding the health and well-being of inmate Leonard Peltier, Register Number 89637-132. This informational release is being provided to all concerned parties regarding the medical status of inmate Peltier.

As with all inmates, it is the health care mission of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide necessary medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates by professional staff, consistent with acceptable community standards.

A thorough review of inmate Peltier's medical record reveals he is being provided appropriate medical attention addressing both his medical complaints and his medical condition. A medical assessment at the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, in 1996, revealed inmate Peltier suffers from ankylosis of the jaw, a condition in which he has stiffening of his mandibular joint which prohibits him from properly opening or closing his mouth.

In February, 1996, inmate Peltier underwent extensive surgery to enable him to open and close his mouth. Following this initial surgery, inmate Peltier was seen on 10 subsequent occasions for manipulation to maintain proper movement of the mandibular joint. Additionally, inmate Peltier received physical therapy twice a day for two months which included the issuance and instruction on the proper use of a dental device to perform personal therapy.

In May, 1996, inmate Peltier had another surgical procedure in which good opening and closing of the mandible was re-established. This was followed by low-dose radiation to reduce the risk of recurrent abnormal bone formation.

In October, 1996, inmate Peltier returned to the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, for the removal of dental arch bars. He then refused further surgical corrections of his jaw although he was advised that the surgery would improve his ability to chew food; as well as receive proper dental care.

In July, 1998, inmate Peltier refused a transfer from the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, to the U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, for further medical treatment in a correctional environment that was able to accommodate his needs better, and was commensurate with his high security classification.

Inmate Peltier is currently being seen on a regular basis by institution healthcare providers for his medical needs. He is physically able to participate in institution programming and activities.

Inmate Peltier currently has a projected release date of October 11, 2040, with a parole hearing tentatively scheduled for May of 2000.

# # # REL: 99-1

The above press release was posted right before the government shut down at 5:00. Earlier today the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (LPDC) was denied access to Leonard at the prison. Keith of the LPDC has asked to have everybody try and put together a small rally.

Rally on Monday March 1, 1999 at the local federal courthouses. Try and have copies of Leonards background along with the phone numbers and email addresses of the prison, Federal Bureau of Prisons BOP), President, First Lady, and Vice President. Include the address of the LPDC as well, but not the phone number. The LPDC will be busy with the next phase.

Keith of the LPDC

The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
P.O. Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044 USA
Email: lpdc@idir.net
URL: http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/index.html
URL: Under construction: http://www.freeleonardpeltier.com/

To contact the BOP write to:
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St., NW., Washington, DC 20534
OR send email to: dgreen@bop.gov
URL: http://www.bop.gov/

Statement from the BOP: "All messages are answered; if they need to be routed to a different division, please allow up to 20 working days for a response. Be sure to include a mailing address if you want information sent to you."