Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 1998
From: Scott Tippetts TIPPETTS@mail.pire.org
Subject: Results of yesterday's parole hearing.

O'siyo Friends,

Yesterday was Leonard's parole hearing. Unlike 2 years ago, when the board waited about 2 months before rendering a decision, this time they made their decision -- rejection -- within just a few hours. Sheron Leonard (her husband Jim was one of the attorneys there) told me last night. Apparently CNN was trying to get a camera crew in there at the hearing, but I don't know yet if they were successful. They (CNN) are filming a 1-hour documentary on Leonard called "The Last Warrior", and they will be using footage from the forum on Thursday.

The quickness of the decision surprised me, but not the result.

--Scott

---

Detailed information from Gina at LPDC!

I just spoke to Leonard on the phone about his parole hearing. He said, "they want me to die in here. All they said was that two people died, they never said that three people died. I won't be up for another hearing until 2008."

I'm sorry to deliver this somber news, but this should only reaffirm our commitment to Leonard's freedom. A couple of weeks before the hearing when asked if he expected parole to be granted, he said, "I have no faith in this system." Neither should we. This is why all must mobilize to Washington DC on the 27th to show our outrage and commitment. We will not wait 10 years for Leonard Peltier's freedom! Leonard can only have faith in us and in us delivering the truth and acting in truth. Therefore we must continue and strengthen this fight. Leonard Peltier stands for what we stand for-Justice and respect for all life. Today I promised Leonard that we would get him out. We can not let this struggle die down. We can not let people think it is over just because the injustice system says that it is over. It is not over until we say it is and I know that we will never say that!

AND:

According to Leonard Peltier, yesterday's parole hearing was a set up. He said that they made some amazing statements like, "the government can't prove who is responsible for the agent's death; someone has to pay." "We spoke with one of the agent's wives and she wants you to die in here. You will not receive another parole hearing until 2008 then we'll take it from there." Representing him was Carl Nadler, Jim Leonard, Ramsey Clark, and Mamie Rupnicke of the Prairie Band Potawatomi. None of his attorneys were allowed to speak. Leonard said it did not matter who was representing him, it was a set-up.

The attorneys are filing for a rebuttal now. I have not spoken to them yet, but when I do I will let you know what has been said.

The government has admitted again that they do not know who killed the agents! And of course they never mention Joe Stuntz, they only remember the deaths of the agents.

Show your outrage on June 27th at D.C. 12-5 p.m. at Ellipse Park. Leonard has no faith in the system. Neither should we. It is up to us to get him out. Step up the fight!

--Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
lpdc@idir.net