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From: "LPDC" <lpdc@idir.net>
Subject: Rigoberta Menchu Tum
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 17:35:43 -0600
To: kolahq@skynet.be

Dear Peltier supporters,

    Greetings, below is a press advisory which you can format and fax to
your local media sources.  The Clinton Administration is refusing to meet
with Rigoberta Menchu and Amnesty International because the delegation wants
to discuss the case of Leonard Peltier.  Last November, a delegation of
representatives of Native Nations traveling from across the US requested a
meeting with the Clinton Aministration, during what Clinton himself has
deemed "Native American Heritage Month".  They too were refused because they
wanted to discuss the Peltier issue.  When you call the comments line, you
can include in your message, that you insist President Clinton meet with
Peltier advocates, such as Amnesty International, the National Congress of
American Indians, etc. and listen to their views.  Also, when you call,
remind them that if Leonard Peltier is not released from prison this year,
you will be discouraged from voting for Vice President Gore in the upcoming
election.  And, of course don't forget to mention parole and clemency.  Here
is the press advisory, thank you for your support:   ---LPDC
 

World Renowned Humanitarians
Will Meet With Peltier In Prison

Pressure builds for Native American activist’s release
______________________________________________________
Contact:
The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
Gina Chiala, co-coordinator 785-842-5774
______________________________________________________

What: Press Conference

When: Friday, February 18th at 3:00 p.m.

Where: Bruce Watkins Museum: 3700 Blue Parkway, Kansas City (816) 923-6226

Who: Rigoberta Menchu Tum, a Mayan who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 in
recognition of her work on the behalf of Indigenous Peoples rights
internationally, especially in her homeland of Guatemala, serves as the
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Sra. Menchu Tum is the author of the book, I,
Rigoberta Menchu.  Jennifer Harbury, who has also been deeply involved in
advocating for the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala, is a
Harvard trained attorney.  She married a Mayan resistance leader who was
later disappeared and murdered by the Guatemalan army in conjunction with
the CIA.   Ms. Harbury, who sees parallels between the case of Mr. Peltier
and the loss of her husband, has taken a special interest in Mr. Peltier’s
situation and is now serving as his lead attorney. Curt Goering is the
Senior Deputy Executive Director of Amnesty International, one of the
largest human rights organizations in the world.

Why: Rigoberta Menchu Tum is traveling from Guatemala to the United States
specifically on Mr. Peltier’s behalf.  Sra. Menchu Tum will be meeting with
high-level government officials in Washington DC before arriving in Kansas
City.  She will address the press after meeting with Mr. Peltier in prison
and she will discuss the accomplishments of her mission.  Jennifer Harbury
and Curt Goering of Amnesty International USA will be accompanying Sra.
Menchu Tum in the meeting with Mr. Peltier.  Amnesty International is
insisting Mr. Peltier be immediately released through Executive Clemency or
Parole, for which Mr. Peltier will be reviewed this May.  Goering will be
strategizing ways AI can best pressure the Parole Commission to release Mr.
Peltier, who they say should have been released over eight years ago
according to the Commission’s guidelines.

February 6 marked Mr. Peltier’s 24th year in prison for the murder of two
FBI agents.  When faced with formerly withheld evidence on appeal casting
serious doubt on Mr. Peltier’s guilt, the prosecution admitted that they
could not prove who killed the agents.  The appeal was denied on a
technicality and the judge would later recommend Mr. Peltier be released
through executive clemency.  Despite this, Mr. Peltier remains in prison,
thus expanding his notoriety as a symbol of injustice against Indigenous
Peoples.

Additional Related Events:
Rigoberta Menchu Tum will speak at:
Kansas University
Feb. 18
7:00
Wescoe, 3rd floor auditorium

Haskell Indian Nations University
Feb 19
2:00 pm
Haskell Auditorium

Reception pot luck
Haskell, Stidham Union
4:30
 

Call the White House Comments Line Today
Demand Justice for Leonard Peltier! 202-456-1111

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
PO Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-5774
www.freepeltier.org
 

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