In a historic move, outgoing President Joe Biden has commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old indigenous rights activist whose decades-long imprisonment has become a symbol of systemic injustice. Peltier, a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), was convicted in connection with the 1975 killing of two FBI agents during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota—a case that has long been shrouded in controversy and allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.

For Rage Against the Machine, a band that has tirelessly championed Peltier’s cause since their inception, the news represents a hard-won victory. “Anger is a gift. Leonard Peltier to be freed,” the band wrote on Instagram, referencing their iconic 1992 track “Freedom,” which was dedicated to Peltier and used its music video to shine a harsh light on the case. The band’s support, rooted in their commitment to social justice and indigenous rights, has played a pivotal role in keeping Peltier’s story alive in the public consciousness.

Peltier’s path to freedom has been a long and arduous one. Eligible for parole since 1993, his requests for clemency were repeatedly denied despite widespread calls from human rights organizations, legal experts, and international leaders who argued that his trial was tainted by unreliable evidence and political motivations. Biden’s decision to commute Peltier’s sentence to indefinite house arrest stands as a defining gesture in the final chapter of his presidency, reflecting his willingness to address a case emblematic of systemic injustices and to respond to decades of advocacy from around the globe.

“Leonard Peltier’s freedom is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring fight against systemic oppression,” Rage Against the Machine’s statement continued. For a band synonymous with defiance and resistance, this moment feels like the culmination of a cause they’ve carried for decades. Their unwavering dedication exemplifies the intersection of art and activism, where music becomes a vessel for justice.

As Peltier adjusts to life outside the confines of a prison cell, his story serves as a stark reminder of the persistent struggles faced by indigenous communities and the enduring need for accountability in the justice system. For Rage Against the Machine and their fans, it is also a moment to reflect on the enduring truth of their message: that anger, when channeled into action, can indeed be a gift.