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FEBRUARY 8, 2001

Imprisoned activist Leonard Peltier might have received executive clemency had he friends in high places. Or, at least a bigger wallet.

Access to President Bill Clinton, according to critics of his final pardons and commutations, might have ensured Peltier his own favorable decision. Personal friends of pardoned felons, or alleged ones, like commodities trader Marc Rich and Whitewater partner Susan McDougal are said to have been instrumental in the process.

The House Committee on Government Reform is holding a hearing on Rich's controversial pardon today. Attorney General John Ashcroft criticized Clinton for pardoning Rich on CNN's "Larry King Live" last night.

Get the Story:
Access to the White House Opened Door to Clemency (The Washington Post 2/8)
House panel to begin investigation of Rich pardon (AP 2/8)
Ashcroft hits Clinton on pardon, drug war (AP 2/8)

Relevant Links:
Free Leonard Peltier - www.freepeltier.org
The Leonard Peltier File, FBI - www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/minn/peltier.htm
The Peltier Trial Transcripts - ishgooda.nativeweb.org/peltier/trial.htm
The No Parole Peltier Association - www.noparolepeltier.com

Related Stories:
Peltier blasts decision against him (The Talking Circle 1/30)
Clinton passes over Peltier clemency (The Talking Circle 1/22)