In a significant move toward criminal justice reform, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday the pardon of 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes. Additionally, he commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others who were serving long-term prison terms.
This decision follows more than a week after Biden issued an unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. The White House has been actively responding to calls for broader clemency, aiming to address what many see as systemic issues within the U.S. judicial system.
President Biden emphasized that those receiving clemency would have faced reduced sentences under current laws and policies. \"As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses,\" Biden stated.
The commutations specifically target individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate the virus's spread. Experts believe this move acknowledges the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and seeks to rectify disproportionate sentencing.
Advocates have lauded the decision. Tierra Bradford, Senior Program Manager at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, expressed hope that Biden would continue to utilize his clemency powers. \"We want Biden to look at those people and consider using his power even more in the upcoming weeks,\" Bradford said.
U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, a leading Democrat advocating for broader clemency, praised the president's actions as \"meaningful and historic.\" She highlighted the potential for further clemency measures in the remaining days of Biden's term.
The White House announced that the clemencies granted on Thursday were the most issued in a single day by any president to date. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, assured the public that the administration remains committed to reviewing clemency petitions diligently.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
