Commission denies parole for Native American activist Leonard Peltier

The U.S. Parole Commission has denied early release to Native American activist Leonard Peltier, who served 49 years in federal prison.

Peltier is serving a life sentence for a 1975 incident on the Pine Ridge Reservation that led to a shootout between American Indian Movement activists and two FBI agents.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Peltier shot Jack Coler and Ronald Williams at close range. Wray said Peltier has never accepted responsibility or shown remorse for the incident and is ineligible for parole.

The board agreed with his ruling on Tuesday.

Peltier supporters say they are devastated that Peltier’s parole was denied. Some see Peltier, who is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, as, as a symbol of racism and oppression of indigenous peoples americans through the American criminal justice system.

Nick Tilsen, president and CEO of NDN Collective, said the board was influenced by the FBI, which he said abused its power in this case.

“They denied parole to a survivor of genocidal Native American boarding schools, and while he struggles to survive his wrongful incarceration, they insist on holding him for a crime for which they have no physical evidence,” Tilsen said. “It is clear that the Parole Commission — which is supposed to be an independent body — has been influenced by the FBI. The FBI continues to abuse its power, spread false stories, and engage in counterintelligence activities. The FBI has no respect for the Constitution or the laws they are sworn to protect.

Tilsen said the organization will now press for a pardon from President Joe Biden. Peltier’s lawyers say they will appeal the parole decision, which could take years. But time is of the essence, as supporters say Peltier is in declining health.