I am so OUTRAGED! My brother Leonard was severely beaten upon his arrival at the Canaan Federal Penitentiary. When he went into population after his transfer, some inmates assaulted him.
The severity of his injuries is that he suffered numerous blows to his head and body, receiving20a large bump on his head, possibly a concussion, and numerous bruises. Also, one of his fingers is swollen and discolored and he has pain in his chest and ribcage. There was blood everywhere from his injuries.
We feel that prison authorities at the prompting of the FBI orchestrated this attack and thus, we are greatly concerned about his safety. It may be that the attackers, whom Leonard did not even know, were offered reduced sentences for carrying out this heinous assault. Since Leonard is up for parole soon, this could be a conspiracy to discredit a model prisoner.
He was placed in solitary confinement and only given one meal, this is generally done when you won't name your attackers; incidentally being only given one meal seriously jeopardizes his health because of his diabetes. Prison officials refuse to release any info to the family, but they need to hear from his supporters to protect his safety, as does President Obama. His attorneys are trying to get calls into him now.
This attack on Leonard comes on the heels of the FBI's recent letter, prompting this attack by FBI supporters as an attempt to discredit Leonard as a model prisoner. Anyone who has been in the prison system knows well that if you refuse to name your attackers or file charges against them, then you lose your status as a victim and/or given points against your possible parole and labeled as a perpetrator.
It is not uncommon, in fact is quite common for the government to use Indian against Indian and they still operate under the old adage "it takes an Indian to catch an Indian". In 1978, they made an attempt to assassinate him through another Indian man who was also at Marion prison with Leonard. But Standing Deer chose to reveal the plot to him instead of taking his life in exchange FOR A CHANCE AT FREEDOM.
When Standing Deer was released in 2001, he joined the former Leonard Peltier Defense Committee as a board member. He also began to speak on Leonard's behalf until his murder six years ago today. Prior to his murder, Standing Deer confided with close friend s and associates that the same man who visited him in Marion to assassinate Peltier, had came to Houston, TX and told him that he had better stay away from Peltier and anything to do with him.
We are aware that currently, the FBI is actively seeking support for the continued imprisonment of Leonard Peltier and also seeking support from Native People. So please be aware, and keep Leonard in your prayers.
The FBI is apparently afraid of the impact we are having. If they will set him up to blemish his record just before a parole hearing, what will they do when it looks like his freedom will become a reality? We need to make sure that nothing happens to him again!
Please write the President, send it priority or registered mail. Email to Change.gov or email President Obama. Call your congressional representatives and write letters, not email, to them. Do what you can to get the word out to insure that Leonard is receiving a dequate medical attention for his injuries.
I am asking you, supporters of Leonard and advocates of justice at this time to help. I don't know what else to do. Please Help!
Thank you
Betty Peltier-Solano
Executive Coordinator
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
Also call and request Leonard be treated with dignity and respect.
Canaan Federal Prison
570-488-8000
1 comment:
I work with every moment within my day - even in integrating soccer Mom against my own spiritual work...because this issue relevant to a Nation's history is relevant also to a World community. When we segregate issues of "right" it is much like segregating components of herbs which serve. Often singular named structure which influences certain health when taken from the tribe/the plant no longer can support the process; can no longer present its gift.
First I will also say a deep sadness moves me to call all Earth Children to respond - remembering at one time we were ALL indigenous. There is no one nation above the other where Mother is the center. Language and need of condition might challenge the center - but the center is - Heart of the Mother.
Each a path; each a choice; each a charge to exhibit and protect life affirming action. If in the hunt one feeds his/her family - that is life affirming. If one fights for rights within a community that entreats the community to join and make better - that is life affirming. If in your singular family you create a thriving, committed, responsible environment - that is life affirming.
I feel perhaps some of us who hold a piece of skin that connects to the land where we stand or have stood - rather than blaming or compromising - be the heart of this land beneath our feet; not below us but which bolsters us - reclaim a voice; negotiate younger souls new to the soil; we can reveal the truth of Mother.
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