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LPDCUpDates and Announcements!
Friday, October 04, 2002LPDC Update Oct. 4, 2002 Dear Supporters, The first few weeks of Fall have brought significant developments in Leonard 's case. This update will be followed shortly by a summary of events happening on or around Oct. 12th, International Indigenous Rights Day, still called by some Columbus Day. October 8th HEARING IN ST. PAUL, MN- Come if you can! The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has agreed to hear Leonard' s appeal of the lower court's dismissal of his motion to reduce sentence. Leonard's legal team is very excited about this opportunity to get back in the courtroom. The arguments are strictly limited to 15 minutes for and against, with Eric Seitz and Bruce Ellison on Leonard's behalf, and with Lynn Crooks coming out of retirement to argue for the government. Dave Chief, Leonard's spiritual advisor, is coming to conduct ceremonies, and we expect a packed courtroom and a spirited vigil outside the courthouse. For supporters who live in or near St. Paul, we encourage your attendance. Details: Rally and Vigil 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Tuesday, Oct 8th Press Conference immediately following Warren Burger Federal Building 316 N. Robert St. St. Paul, MN 1999 HABEAS CORPUS MOTION DENIED A writ of Habeas Corpus filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas, which had languished in the court for over three years, was denied by the Court. Leonard's legal team has appealed the denial, and will prepare a detailed brief in coming months. The writ challenges the US Parole Commission's repeated denial of parole, contrary to its own guidelines. The U.S. Parole Commission was set to be abolished on Nov 1, 2002, and there may be a call for urgent action next week to ensure that members of Congress do not rush through a bill to extend the life of the Commission through Nov. 1, 2005. We will update you as soon as we determine the best course of action to halt the continuation of this corrupt parole bureaucracy (even if Congress rejects the bid for the extension, the Dept. of Justice has in place a plan to create a new organization with a different name, but with, no doubt, all the same faces and policies as the current Parole Commission). >><><><><< OCT 6-7 ANTIWAR EVENTS A number of Leonard's supporters will be bringing his presence to the many rallies this weekend to protest the planned war against the people of Iraq. Join them in NYC, SF and LA, or create your own presence on Leonard's behalf at any of the events happening under the Not In Our Name organizing effort: http://www.notinourname.net/events.html >><><><><< On September 9th, Leonard's mother, Alvina Showers, passed on. The LPDC worked to gain travel access for Leonard to attend the funeral, which was denied. If you would like to write Leonard address your letters to: Leonard Peltier #89637-132 USPL PO Box 1000 Leavenworth, KS 66048 He can receive letters, paperback books, non-Polaroid photos, and US Postal Money Orders >><><><><< Please join us in welcoming Leonard's daughter, Marquetta Peltier, to the defense committee. Marquetta is working as the LPDC co-coordinator. Her presence has provided an invaluable element to the work. We look forward to her leadership. In Solidarity, Leonard Peltier Defense Committee A LISTING of International Indigenous Peoples Day events will follow shortly. The LPDC postponed the annual grassroots fundraising events typically held on Leonard's birthday, Sept. 12th, in observance of the anniversary of 9-11. Until Freedom Is Won! The New Leonard Peltier Justice Campaign Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-5774 http://www.freepeltier.org Posted by Webmaster@AIMSupport.org 9:57 PM  Remainder: Motion for Reduction of Sentence Come to the Hearing in St. Paul, MN October 8th! Attorney Eric Seitz reports that a hearing on the appeal of the dismissal of Leonard's Motion for Reduction of Sentence, from consecutive to concurrent life sentences, has been scheduled. This hearing is set in St. Paul, Minnesota, for October 8th, 2002. The arguments are just 15 minutes for and against. We expect prosecutor Lynn Crooks to come out of retirement to oppose attorneys Seitz and Bruce Ellison. Hopefully, the judges will find in Leonard's favor and directly resentence him. In that event, the Parole Commission must grant an immediate hearing with very little room to deny parole. Plan on being in St. Paul on Oct 8th if you can make it! We need to pack the courtroom to support Leonard. Posted by Webmaster@AIMSupport.org 12:11 PM
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