The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and Indigenous leaders have joined forces to urge President Joe Biden to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, a Native American man who has spent nearly five decades behind bars. Peltier, now 80 years old, was convicted of crimes related to his involvement in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and has been imprisoned since 1976.

Many experts and advocates consider Peltier’s conviction to be flawed and unjust. Despite the government’s admission that it cannot definitively prove his guilt, Peltier remains incarcerated. His prolonged imprisonment has been deemed a profound injustice, particularly given his advanced age and declining health.

The NACDL and Indigenous leaders are calling on President Biden to take action and right a historic wrong by granting clemency to Peltier. In a letter to the President, NACDL President Christopher A. Wellborn emphasized that Peltier’s case is a stark example of systemic racism and injustice within the criminal legal system.

NDN Collective, a non-profit organization that advocates for Indigenous rights, has also been a vocal proponent of Peltier’s release. Holly Cook Macarro, who leads Government Affairs for NDN Collective, has spoken out against what she calls “a historic wrong.” Macarro emphasized that Peltier’s freedom would be a beacon of hope for countless others who have suffered injustice.

President Biden has the opportunity to make a historic decision and grant clemency to Leonard Peltier. By doing so, he can help to right a profound injustice and bring hope to Indigenous communities across the country.