Belarusian Petitions Obama to Release Leonard Peltier as It “Would Improve US’ Sinking Image Abroad”
30.10.2012 / 17:38
Homiel resident Aliaksandr Snitko has petitioned US President Barack Obama to pardon Native American activist Leonard Peltier, who was sentenced to two life imprisonment terms over the murder of two FBI agents in 1975.
Free Leonard Peltier sign
The Belarusian sent his petition to the White House by e-mail.
Peltier, 68, was accused of murdering the agents during a conflict in an Indian reservation in 1975. He is a prominent member of the American Indian Movement.
In his petition, Aliaksandr Snitko criticizes the US authorities' treatment of Native Americans, describes the imprisoned activist as a victim rather than a criminal and says that many prominent figures have called into question the fairness of his trial.
He says that Obama's decision to grant clemency to the Indian activist would improve the United States' sinking image abroad.
Snitko said that he attended demonstrations in support of Peltier as far back as the early 1980s.
“I have now decided to remind the US president and the entire public about prisoner Peltier. I have sent petitions to VIPs, asking them to express solidarity with Peltier. I have gotten in touch with my old associates, asked them and all people who are not indifferent to follow my example,” he said.