ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LEONARD PELTIER’S JUNE 12 PAROLE HEARING
Mon, 5 Jun 2000:
QUESTION: I thought Leonard would not have another parole hearing until the year 2008.
ANSWER: In 1994, the Parole Commission denied Leonard Peltier parole and set his next full hearing date for the year 2008. However, the Commission is required to hold what is called an "interim parole hearing" every two years in order to see if there is any reason to change their original decision to deny parole. At this time, an inmate can argue that the commission’s original decision was based on error. An inmate can also present "extraordinary circumstances" such as serious medical problems or exceptionally positive behavior.
QUESTION: What are the possible results of an interim parole hearing?
ANSWER: The commission can either 1.continue Leonard’s sentence with no change in their original decision 2. Move his next full hearing to a closer date 3. Grant his release
QUESTION: What are the chances? Do things look good?
ANSWER: On one hand, things look pretty positive. For the first time, Amnesty International is planning to attend the hearing in person. The National Council of Churches, the AFN and the NCAI will also be represented. Over seven thousand letters have been collected in support of Leonard Peltier’s release. Several delegations have met with the Justice Department this year to urge the US to grant Leonard Peltier his freedom. Overall activity around his case is on the increase. On the other hand, the Parole Commission has never treated Leonard’s case fairly. They have denied him parole far beyond what their guidelines recommend with no justification whatsoever, treating his case with malice and discrimination. The parole commission, which is in the process of being dismantled, has been mandated by law to give all "old law" prisoners a presumptive parole date. Yet, they have not done so with Leonard Peltier. Therefore, we do not want to mislead anyone by saying there is great reason to be optimistic. However, it is possible that the Parole Commission will be more cautious in the way it treats the case, leaving there reason to be hopeful.
QUESTION: When will we know what the results of the hearing are?
ANSWER: A Parole Examiner will facilitate the parole hearing. He will assess the situation and then make his own personal recommendation. However, the Commission is not bound to the examiner’s decision and it can take anywhere from a week to two months for them to produce their final decision. In 1995 the parole examiner actually thought the commission should reexamine their decision to deny parole and noted the lack of proof against Leonard, his excellent conduct in prison and his human rights achievements. However the commission refused to reconsider. For this reason, it will be important for us to continue pressure on the justice department after the hearing concludes. More details in this regard will be made available soon. (We will report the parole examiner’s initial recommendation immediately after the hearing concludes.)
DON'T FORGET TO FLOOD JANET RENO WITH PHONE CALLS ON JUNE 9TH 2000 (THIS FRIDAY!). LET HER KNOW YOU SUPPORT LEONARD'S RELEASE ON PAROLE: 202-305-1400
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
