RIMC Letter in Support of Leonard Peltier's Parole

This letter was voted on and passed by the Rhode Island Mobilization Committee to Stop War Occupation. Thank you RIMC for stepping up. Thanks goes out to John Gallagher, too. Thank you all for everything you do on Leonard's behalf.


July 08, 2009

United States Parole Commission
5550 Friendship Blvd
Ste 420
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286
cc: Mr. Edward F. Reilly Jr., Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, LPDOC

Re: Leonard Peltier (#89637-132)

Dear Parole Commission:

The Rhode Island Mobilization Committee to Stop War & Occupation (RIMC) supports Leonard Peltier and his upcoming review for parole. We feel that the matter of Leonard Peltier’s parole and release is of paramount significance, not only for Mr. Peltier and his family, but for the rule of law.

As stated in a January 29, 2009 letter from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to the Chairman of the U.S. Parole Commission Mr. Edward F. Reilly, Jr., Senator Whitehouse requested the Parole Commission consider constituents concerns that Mr. Peltier had been denied parole in violation of the Commission's established parole guidelines. Senator Whitehouse also asked that he be kept informed of any findings to your review.

In a constituent's attached letter, it stated:

"One point that needs to be focused on right now is a “30 year law” regarding Leonard Peltier's sentence and parole. At the time Mr. Peltier was convicted, the guidelines said:

'Any prisoner, …shall be released on parole… after serving thirty years of each consecutive term or terms of more than forty-five years including any life term, whichever is earlier: Provided, however, That the Commission shall not release such prisoner if it determines that he has seriously or frequently violated institution rules and regulations or that there is a reasonable probability that he will commit any Federal, State, or local crime. 28 U.S.C. section 28 U.S.C. §4206(d).'"

Prison staff have attested to Mr. Peltier's nonviolent nature and his overall prison record supports their judgment in this regard.

Sara Jane Moore, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to assasinate President Gerald Ford was released from custody under the above mentioned parole commission rule. We feel there should be parity and consistency to your ruling in these cases.

Therefore the Rhode Island Mobilization Committee on July 08, 2009 votes to urge the U.S. Parole Commission to abide by its guidelines and grant Leonard Peltier parole.

Thank you for your consideration and attention.


Yeas 15 Nays 00 Abstentions 01


YOU CAN SEND A MESSAGE TO THE PAROLE BOARD...
by clicking this link:
https://secure2.convio.net/pep/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=247.
Also you can sign a petition to the Parole Commission at
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/.