After nearly five decades, the fight for Leonard Peltier’s freedom has reached a monumental turning point. Outgoing President Joe Biden has since granted clemency to the imprisoned Indigenous activist. Rage Against the Machine who have been fighting for Peltier’s release are now celebrating the news.
For Rage fans, this is a watershed moment. Peltier’s name became a rallying cry thanks to the band’s Freedom video in 1994. That blistering visual not only highlighted the systemic injustice surrounding Peltier’s case but also laid bare the flaws in the FBI’s handling of the 1975 Oglala shootout. While two AIM (American Indian Movement) members were acquitted, Peltier was handed a life sentence. This was despite allegations of coerced testimony and withheld evidence.
Rage didn’t let this injustice fade into obscurity. At their 2022 Madison Square Garden shows, the band spotlighted Peltier’s plight, reigniting awareness for his case. Drummer Brad Wilk reflected on the significance of the moment this week, sharing a photo of a necklace Peltier crafted for each band member while behind bars. “Unreal,” Wilk wrote on Instagram. “After almost 50 years of unjust incarceration, clemency was finally granted to Leonard Peltier.”
Rage’s activism has always transcended the stage. From protests to public statements, they made Peltier’s freedom central to their ethos. For frontman Zack de la Rocha and the rest of the band, Freedom wasn’t just a song—it was truly a battle cry. Their relentless efforts have kept Peltier’s name in the headlines, ensuring his story wasn’t forgotten in a world too quick to move on.
In their Instagram tribute, Rage called the clemency bittersweet. While Peltier’s release marks a victory for justice, it’s impossible to ignore the decades lost to an unjust system. Still, his transition to home confinement is a testament to the power of music and activism.
This moment proves why Rage Against the Machine remains one of the most important bands in history. Their message—that anger is a gift and justice is worth fighting for—resonates as powerfully today as it did in 1994. Leonard Peltier’s freedom stands as a victory not just for him, but for every voice raised against oppression. Rage, once again, have reminded us of the transformative power of refusing to stay silent.
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