Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

June 24, 2009

Even though the release of imprisoned American Indian Movement leader Leonard Peltier has long been a leftist cause célèbre, it?s an idea worthy of support from all concerned about due process.

Peltier was wrongfully convicted 33 years ago of murdering two FBI agents on South Dakota?s Pine Ridge ReservationSouth Dakota?s Pine Ridge Reservation.

Four AIM-connected individuals were indicted for the June 1975 killings. Charges were dropped against one, Jimmy Eagle. The others, Darrelle Butler and Bob Robideau, were acquitted of all charges based on the same evidence later used to convict Peltier.

Peltier was extradited from Canada on the basis of eyewitness testimony from a woman who later recanted her story. When she offered to testify in Peltier?s defense, the trial judge ruled that she was mentally incompetent.

Peltier recently suffered a heart attack. His next parole hearing is on July 28*. He should be freed, and those responsible for his malicious prosecution should be prosecuted themselves.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

* There are conflicting reports as to whether the parole hearing is July 27 or July 28.