On May 17, 2017 two important political prisoners held in U.S. prisons, Chelsea Manning and Oscar Lopez were officially pardoned by the out-going Obama administration and freed. Despite these two positive developments, Obama also blatantly ignored many other political prisoners, among them Mumia Abu Jamal and Leonard Peltier.
Imprisoned since 1982, Mumia Abu Jamal has served 36 years of a life sentence for the unproven killing of a Philadelphia police officer. Amnesty International said Mumia’s trial “failed to meet international standards” due to a severe climate of racism and hostility. He suffers from diabetes and his health is constantly at risk due to improper medical treatment.
Leonard Peltier was convicted for the deaths of two FBI agents who died during a 1975 shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. In a trial full of discrimination and manipulations, the prosecution even conceded that they did not know who shot the agents. He has been in prison for over 42 years, with a projected release date of October 11, 2040 at the age of 96. He also suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and a heart condition which make the need for his immediate freedom even more important.
Two important factors brought about the freedom of Chelsea Manning and Oscar López: their dedication to the social justice causes they were defending, and the ongoing campaigns demanding their release by people around the world. Both Mumia and Leonard have shown their incredible spirits of resistance, and we must continue to support the ongoing international campaigns demanding their freedom.
FREE LEONARD PELTIER NOW!
FREE MUMIA ABU JAMAL NOW!
FREE ALL U.S. POLITICAL PRISONERS NOW!
Visit these websites to learn more and get involved:
www.whoisleonardpeltier.info | www.freemumia.com
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