Leonard Peltier released from prison

Those who fought for Peltier's freedom include Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis and Native American advocacy groups

(Image credit: Bettmann / Getty Images)

published 19 February 2025

What happened

Leonard Peltier, the Native American activist who spent half a century in prison after being convicted of killing two FBI agents, was released from a federal penitentiary in Florida on Tuesday.

"They may have imprisoned me but they never took my spirit," Peltier said in a statement after his release. He thanked his "supporters throughout the world who fought for my freedom," a group that included Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, Native American advocacy groups and some law enforcement officials, including one of the lead federal prosecutors who secured Peltier's conviction. Supporters point to withheld exculpatory evidence at his trial and a recanted confession.

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Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others.