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From: "Frits F. Terpstra" <frits@bnc.nl>
To: "Leonard Peltier DC" <lpdc@idir.net>
Cc: <<clipped>>
Subject: Report of the Febr. 6th Demonstration in Amsterdam
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 17:20:13 +0100

February 6th Demonstration for Leonard Peltier
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

By Bruce Gurwitz

            Once again, because Leonard Peltier, after 24 years now, is still
languishing in prison for a crime he did not commit, I was invited to speak,
by Frits Terpstra, of the Leonard Peltier Foundation, (Groningen, NL) in
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, at a demonstration on Leonard's behalf.

           The event began at 2:00 P.M. at the Dam, in the center of
Amsterdam,
where Frits addressed the crowd in a welcoming speech.

           By coincidence, and very fortuitously, Little Steven Van Zandt, in
Amsterdam to promote his current CD, happened by. He took the time and
effort to have the media representative from SBS television, who was
interviewing him for Dutch TV, rearrange the focus of the interview for a
few minutes and report on the plight of Leonard Peltier. This interview
was shown last evening on television throughout The Netherlands and
thus gave Leonard media attention that otherwise would not have been
available to him or, the demonstration. Little Steven then addressed the
crowd, which numbered between 75 and 100 people, for a few moments.
He expressed that what we were doing is important and Thanked them
for their support of Leonard.

After Little Steven left the stage we were entertained by Mick Grigsby's
daughter, Tabitha, from the Alabama Coushatta Nation, who danced in
honor of Leonard Peltier. She wore a beautifully beaded fancy dance
regalia.

           Following our meeting at the Dam, we proceeded to march
through Amsterdam's city streets, being led by 2 mounted Amsterdam
policewomen, and 2 motorcycle police escorts.

           As we marched through the streets of Amsterdam we drew the
attention of the afternoon crowd by shouting slogans of, "24 years is 24
years too long," "Free Leonard Peltier," and  "Justice for Leonard Peltier."
We made an impression on the onlookers but not enough to have them
join in, which ultimately was the goal.

           The march culminated at the United States Consulate, where I
addressed the crowd as I had done 1 year ago, today, at the same place.

           Again my message to Leonard's supporters was simple and direct.
I told them that their support and efforts were appreciated but that the
crowd
was much too sparse and that only with the will of the people, all the
people,
would we be able to Free Leonard Peltier.

           The problem, I explained, is not just one for Americans, and does
not only affect American people, but affects all people of conscience in
the world. When one man's liberty is unjustly taken it affects everyone,
everywhere and the sooner we realize this the easier it will be to put an
end to injustice, anywhere.

           I asked them, and myself, to look in the mirror everday and to
answer
to themselves if they had done everything possible, that day, to make this
world a better place for their children, grand-children, friends,
relatives, for
all the children of the world. If the answer is, NO, I said, then try harder
tomorrow, make it your business to make a difference, and you can and
will.

           As for what it is that these wonderful Dutch supporters can do
to help,
I told them to contact their government officials and ask of them to make
inquiries into Leonard's situation. Also, I suggested that they contact their
local Amnesty International offices, and the Human Rights Council of the
United Nations, in Europe,  and support and encourage them to make a
stronger stand for Leonard Peltier's release. It is surprising to think of
how
quickly Leonard would be released if the people of all nations (especially
the United States) would stand together as one and demand the end of
this intolerably long overdo injustice. Only together can we accomplish
anything that is important to the survival of  Civil, Human, and Native
rights.

           The kind people of The Netherlands want to help Leonard, and our
Thanks go out to them all, particularly to my friend, Rogier, Frits
Terpstra's
son, for once again joining us in the struggle for Leonard's freedom. Once
again, as last year, my appreciation also goes out to Lennart van Oorschot,
for his unwavering support and for organizing this event. As always, Frits
Terpstra, once again has shown that his heart, mind and spirit are
non-paralled, anywhere. He is my Brother, and a friend to all Human
Beings who seek peace, justice, and freedom. He continually amazes
me with his compassion and Leonard Peltier is a lucky man to have him
for a friend, as am I and you.

     This year, we will FREE LEONARD PELTIER.

 In Struggle,

 Bruce Gurwitz

****************************************************
Free Leonard Peltier
www.leonardpeltier.com
Leonard Peltier Foundation - Netherlands
****************************************************

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