In a historic move, U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he has pardoned 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 others serving long prison terms. The clemency actions come just over a week after the president signed an unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden.
“As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation,” Biden said. “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.”
Officials noted that the White House had been listening to demands to extend the same grace to thousands wronged by the U.S. judicial system. Biden emphasized that those granted clemency would have received shorter sentences if charged under today’s laws, policies, and practices.
The commutations primarily affect individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate the virus’s spread. Experts believe this group reflects those who have demonstrated the ability to reintegrate into society successfully.
“We want Biden to look at those people and consider using his power even more in the upcoming weeks,” said Tierra Bradford, senior program manager at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “This is a significant step, but there’s more work to be done.”
U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, a leading Democrat who recently urged the president to issue clemency to Americans with non-violent offenses, commended Biden for taking “meaningful and historic action.” Her statement also noted that he could take further steps to exercise his power during his remaining 39 days in office.
The White House highlighted that the clemencies granted represent the most ever in a single day by a U.S. president. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “The president takes this very, very seriously, and is going to review all options, especially the clemency petitions.”
Biden indicated that more actions are forthcoming. “I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” he said, affirming his administration’s commitment to continue reviewing clemency petitions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
