US President Joe Biden granted pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others. The White House called this the largest single-day act of presidential clemency.
The White House did not disclose the names of those pardoned but indicated those pardoned “have shown successful rehabilitation” and “commitment to making their communities stronger and safer.“
The commuted sentences mainly affected individuals in home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic. Biden argued they faced sentences “too long under outdated laws” and deserved “a second chance.”
The relief included a decorated military veteran, a nurse who aided the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and an addiction counsellor. Biden promised “more steps in the weeks ahead.”
Biden has previously issued fewer pardons than most modern presidents. He granted categorical pardons, including for simple marijuana possession in 2022 and earlier this year, for military personnel convicted due to their sexual orientation.
His recent pardon of his son, Hunter, had been roundly criticized by even his Democratic partymen. Still, Biden insisted he pardoned his son because the charges against him were “politically motivated.”
It was widely reported that Mr Biden considered pre-emptive pardons for supporters of Trump jailed for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, breach of the Capitol. However, Biden is said to have been wary of the kind of precedent it might set.
But he leaves office in a short 5 weeks, and there are speculations President-elect Donald Trump, drawing from Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter, will not waste time in setting the January 6 rioters free.
The US Constitution decrees that a president has the broad “power to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”
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Well, no one can blame him. His son is involved. He was already on his last leg in politics, he has to pardon his son and others before leaving. Kudos to those pardoned!