REPORT: CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON THE CASE OF LEONARD PELTIER
Thu, 18 May 2000
On May 17th Congressman Porter sponsored a two hour congressional briefing on the case of Leonard Peltier and its related circumstances on the Pine Ridge reservation. Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Amnesty International, Ernie Stevens Jr. of the National Congress of American Indians, Author Peter Matthiessen, Journalist Kevin McKiernan, shoot-out survivor Nilak Butler, reign of terror survivor Debra White Plume, shoot-out aftermath witness Jean Day, and lawyers Bruce Ellison and Jennifer Harbury testified at the briefing. They told a full room of human rights leaders and Congressional staff of the numerous human, civil, and constitutional rights violations involved in the Peltier case. The purpose of the briefing was to heighten support among Congress during this critical time in the effort to gain freedom for Leonard Peltier.
However, we were reminded that those who wish to obstruct the truth of the Peltier case are ruthless in their tactics. The morning press conference was sabotaged when someone called Amnesty International's building (the location of the press conference) and told them the press conference was cancelled. Many reporters were then told it was off, and we received little media attention. The evening before, US authorities detained Rigoberta Menchu Tum and tried to stop her from entering the country.
But, despite this, the briefing was a success. We will be receving a video tape of it in the near future, and we will be putting excerpts on the web site. Meanwhile, keep up the calls to your Congress people, and if you can, organize a local delegation to meet with them on the case. Ask them to officially support Leonard Peltier's release on parole and/or clemency. Thank you.
In Solidarity, The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Call the White House Comments Line Today
Demand Justice for Leonard Peltier! 202-456-1111
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
PO Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-5774
www.freepeltier.org
