Leonard Peltier: A Symbol of Justice and Controversy

Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist, had his life sentence commuted by President Joe Biden, allowing him to serve home confinement. This decision sparked debate, with FBI figures opposing clemency, while human rights advocates viewed it as a step towards justice for Native communities.

Leonard Peltier, a prominent Native American activist, has been granted clemency by President Joe Biden, allowing him to spend the rest of his life in home confinement. Peltier's supporters celebrate this as a significant form of freedom, despite FBI opposition to his release.

The commutation decision met with strong disapproval from FBI Director Christopher Wray and former agents, labeling it as 'cowardly.' Peltier, a member of the American Indian Movement, was convicted for the 1975 killing of two FBI agents, a case shrouded in controversy and allegations of withheld evidence.

Advocacy for Peltier's release included calls from high-profile figures such as Pope Francis and Robert Redford. The move is seen by some as a justice milestone for Native communities. Peltier will transition to home confinement from a Florida detention center on February 18.

(With inputs from agencies.)