US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday (12) that he is replacing the sentences of about 1,500 people and pardoning another 39 convicted of non-violent crimes – marking a broad use of the presidential power of clemency just weeks before the end of his administration.
White House officials point to the action as the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.
The president, who has been under pressure to grant more clemency before leaving office, also promised that additional actions will be announced in the coming weeks.
“America was built on the promise of a second chance,” Biden declared in a statement released shortly after the CNN having informed early on Thursday morning of the pardon.
The Democrat added, “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunities for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities. Taking action to remove disparities in sentencing for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug crimes.”
Forgiveness cases
The nearly 1,500 people whose long sentences are being commuted this Thursday (12) were placed in home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic, and were considered to have demonstrated a clear commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities, sources said. .
The 39 people pardoned received convictions for non-violent crimes and were considered to have demonstrated records of significant retribution to the country.
“These are individuals who have obtained employment, advanced in their education, served as caregivers for their children and families, and reintegrated into their communities,” reported a government official to CNN . “They include individuals who have faced incredible challenges in life and have now really shown resilience and are looking to overcome those challenges.”
Although the CNN Although it was not possible to obtain a complete list of the names of clemency recipients, sources provided examples of individuals who were pardoned.
Who was forgiven
Those charged include: a decorated military veteran described as having dedicated much of his time helping members of his community, including the sick and elderly; a nurse who reportedly helped during natural disasters and was at the forefront of Covid-19 vaccination efforts during the pandemic; as well as an addiction counselor recognized for his dedication to mentoring young men of color.
The announcement is widely celebrated by human rights activists, advocacy groups, Democratic lawmakers and the families of those receiving the commutations and pardons.
Pressure for clemency
As the president’s first term draws to a close, calls for Biden to more aggressively and broadly exercise his clemency power before new President Donald Trump takes office have only grown louder — including moving dozens of inmates out of prison hallways. death.
The Democrat has previously pardoned military veterans convicted of having sex with homosexuals – previously a crime under military law – and has also issued pardons for those convicted of marijuana possession.
This Thursday’s news (12) follows the president’s decision to issue a full and unconditional pardon to his son Hunter after repeatedly insisting over several months that he would not do so.
The change of heart provoked a huge uproar, including among some of the president’s allies and fellow Democrats who questioned his decision to renege on his word.
Anita Dunn, a former senior adviser to the president, said last week that the move struck her as “exceptionally bad timing.”
Biden’s pardon of his son, the administration official insisted, has not shaped his thinking about the use of the clemency power generally.
“The President showed his views on clemency and how he can use his power to make our country more equitable, fair, and right some of the past mistakes we have seen in the criminal justice system,” he explained.
With less than six weeks left in Biden’s term, the president is expected to provide more relief.
“I will take more steps in the coming weeks”, announced the president. “My Administration will continue to review clemency petitions to promote equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.”
The president has been consulting with White House counsel Ed Siskel about a range of clemency options, sources shared.
The White House counsel’s office has also consulted with the Department of Justice’s Office of Pardons.
This content was originally published in Biden forgives almost 1,500 people who committed non-violent crimes on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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