Berlin calls for justice: Demo for Leonard Peltier for his 80th birthday
Berlin calls for justice: Demo for Leonard Peltier for his 80th birthday
Solidarity and human rights: The demonstration for Leonard Peltier in Berlin
On September 12, 2024, an important human rights campaign took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The Society for Threatened Völker (GFBV) mobilized numerous supporters by calling "Free Leonard Peltier, President Biden!"
Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of a alleged murder of two FBI agents in 1977, has been in prison for decades. This happened after an incident in the Pine Ridge Reserve in the US state of South Dakota, which was connected to a shootout. Despite the massive doubts about the legality of his trial and the blackmailed testimonies, Peltier remained in custody to this day. The ballistic tests have not been able to support the allegations against him. Against this background, the persistent detention of politicians and human rights organizations has been considered unfair.
Peltier's health has deteriorated considerably in the past few weeks, which is particularly alarming. The lack of adequate treatment of his diabetes disease has repeatedly led to emergency shots in the hospital. The GFBV and other human rights organizations warn that Peltier could be another example of the tragic trend of "death through detention" if no immediate measures are taken.
The campaign in Berlin not only puts the individual case of Peltier in the foreground, but also throws a light on the broader topics of human rights and dealing with indigenous peoples. In its appeal to US President Joe Biden, the GFBV called for his support for Peltier, with emphasizing that this would be a gesture of justice and respect for the indigenous communities.
The demonstration developed into a platform for a major discussion about the rights of the indigenous ones and the urgent reforms in the criminal justice system. "US President Biden has the historical opportunity to actively act against injustice and to change the life of a man who fought his whole life for the rights of the indigenous people," said the organizers of the event.
The GFBV not only calls for a pardon of the victims of the system, but also an open discussion about the rule of law and concern about the treatment of indigenous ones in adhesion. These questions are fundamental to defend the rights and dignity of all people.
In summary, it can be said that the demonstration on September 12, 2024 was not just a request to release Leonard Peltier. It stands as a sign of the ongoing struggles and challenges that indigenous peoples in the USA are facing and worldwide. The community in Berlin has thus set a clear sign that works far beyond the limits of the city.