Clinton Administration refuses to meet with Rigoberta Menchu and Amnesty International
Dear Peltier supporters,
Greetings, below is a press advisory which you can format and fax to your local media sources. The Clinton Administration is refusing to meet with Rigoberta Menchu and Amnesty International because the delegation wants to discuss the case of Leonard Peltier. Last November, a delegation of representatives of Native Nations traveling from across the US requested a meeting with the Clinton Aministration, during what Clinton himself has deemed "Native American Heritage Month". They too were refused because they wanted to discuss the Peltier issue. When you call the comments line, you can include in your message, that you insist President Clinton meet with Peltier advocates, such as Amnesty International, the National Congress of American Indians, etc. and listen to their views. Also, when you call, remind them that if Leonard Peltier is not released from prison this year, you will be discouraged from voting for Vice President Gore in the upcoming election. And, of course don't forget to mention parole and clemency. Here is the press advisory, thank you for your support: ---LPDC
World Renowned Humanitarians Will Meet With Peltier In Prison
Pressure builds for Native American activist’s release
Contact: The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee Gina Chiala, co-coordinator 785-842-5774 ______________________________________________________
What: Press Conference
When: Friday, February 18th at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Bruce Watkins Museum: 3700 Blue Parkway, Kansas City (816) 923-6226
Who: Rigoberta Menchu Tum, a Mayan who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 in recognition of her work on the behalf of Indigenous Peoples rights internationally, especially in her homeland of Guatemala, serves as the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Sra. Menchu Tum is the author of the book, I, Rigoberta Menchu. Jennifer Harbury, who has also been deeply involved in advocating for the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala, is a Harvard trained attorney. She married a Mayan resistance leader who was later disappeared and murdered by the Guatemalan army in conjunction with the CIA. Ms. Harbury, who sees parallels between the case of Mr. Peltier and the loss of her husband, has taken a special interest in Mr. Peltier’s situation and is now serving as his lead attorney. Curt Goering is the Senior Deputy Executive Director of Amnesty International, one of the largest human rights organizations in the world.
Why: Rigoberta Menchu Tum is traveling from Guatemala to the United States specifically on Mr. Peltier’s behalf. Sra. Menchu Tum will be meeting with high-level government officials in Washington DC before arriving in Kansas City. She will address the press after meeting with Mr. Peltier in prison and she will discuss the accomplishments of her mission. Jennifer Harbury and Curt Goering of Amnesty International USA will be accompanying Sra. Menchu Tum in the meeting with Mr. Peltier. Amnesty International is insisting Mr. Peltier be immediately released through Executive Clemency or Parole, for which Mr. Peltier will be reviewed this May. Goering will be strategizing ways AI can best pressure the Parole Commission to release Mr. Peltier, who they say should have been released over eight years ago according to the Commission’s guidelines.
February 6 marked Mr. Peltier’s 24th year in prison for the murder of two FBI agents. When faced with formerly withheld evidence on appeal casting serious doubt on Mr. Peltier’s guilt, the prosecution admitted that they could not prove who killed the agents. The appeal was denied on a technicality and the judge would later recommend Mr. Peltier be released through executive clemency. Despite this, Mr. Peltier remains in prison, thus expanding his notoriety as a symbol of injustice against Indigenous Peoples.
Additional Related Events: Rigoberta Menchu Tum will speak at: Kansas University Feb. 18 7:00 Wescoe, 3rd floor auditorium
Haskell Indian Nations University Feb 19 2:00 pm Haskell Auditorium
Reception pot luck Haskell, Stidham Union 4:30
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
