Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist and a symbol of the struggle for Indigenous rights, was released from a Florida prison on Tuesday after nearly five decades behind bars. This significant development followed a commutation of his life sentences by former President Joe Biden, a decision that has sparked a mix of elation among supporters and outrage from law enforcement.

Peltier, now 80, had been incarcerated since the late 1970s, convicted for his alleged involvement in the murders of two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ronald Williams, during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. His release was celebrated as a milestone by many who have long contested the fairness of his trial, which they argue was marred by coercion and errors.

"Today I am finally free! They may have imprisoned me but they never took my spirit!” Peltier stated following his release, expressing gratitude to his global supporters, including prominent figures like Robert Redford and organizations like Amnesty International, who have called for his freedom over the years.

Peltier’s legal troubles began when he became a notable figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM), advocating for Native American treaty rights and self-determination. His involvement in the movement was marked by confrontations with federal authorities, notably during the violent incident at Wounded Knee in 1973, which further strained relations between the government and Native activists.

In 1975, as FBI agents attempted to serve an arrest warrant for another suspect, a shootout erupted, resulting in the deaths of the agents and an Indigenous activist. While others present were acquitted based on self-defense claims, Peltier was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences despite numerous claims of wrongful conviction, including evidence that was allegedly suppressed.

After Biden’s commutation of his sentence on January 20, amidst a backdrop of declining health issues for Peltier, many advocates viewed this as a long-awaited acknowledgment of the injustices he faced. His release from USP Coleman, a high-security prison, was marked by cheers from supporters who had gathered outside, embodying decades of struggle for justice.

As Peltier returns to the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota, where he will serve out his house arrest, many, including Nick Tilsen of the NDN Collective, highlighted the liberating symbolism of Peltier's release—not just as a personal victory but as a triumph for Indigenous rights across the globe.

While some law enforcement officials, including former FBI Head Christopher Wray, have criticized the commutation, referring to Peltier as a “remorseless killer,” many advocates maintain that the case represents a larger narrative of systemic injustice against Native Americans.

Peltier's journey continues as he prepares for a long-awaited homecoming, culminating years of advocacy that have drawn voices from around the world to support his release. For many, adequate justice remains elusive, highlighting the ongoing struggles for Indigenous people across the United States.

For further details on Peltier's case and release, refer to the sources such as HuffPost and Los Angeles Times.