Agencies
Washington
Outgoing US President Joe Biden has initiated large-scale pardons for convicts, reducing the sentences of almost 1,500 people and pardoning 39 entirely, he announced on Thursday. This was more than ever before on a single day, the White House said.
The approximately 1,500 offenders were serving their sentences under house arrest since the COVID-19 pandemic. They had “successfully reintegrated into their families and communities and have shown that they deserve a second chance,” Biden said.
The 39 pardons follow convictions for non-violent offences. No names were disclosed.
They include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counsellor and youth counsellor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences and a decorated military veteran.
In a statement on Thursday, Biden said he chose to pardon 39 people “who have shown successful rehabilitation” as well as a “commitment to making their communities stronger and safer”.
“I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences – many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today’s laws, policies, and practices,” he said. A US president has the authority to shorten the sentences of offenders convicted under federal law or to pardon convicts entirely, even after serving a sentence - lifting possible restrictions or sanctions that apply to former offenders and publicly rehabilitating their reputation. Thursday’s announcement came less than two weeks after Biden pardoned his son Hunter for firearms and tax convictions after pledging that he wouldn’t do so.
Republicans seized on that decision, attacking the Democratic president for using his power to shield a family member from legal judgements. They accused Biden of enforcing a separate standard of justice for those with political connections.The Biden administration rejected those allegations, saying Hunter Biden’s prosecution was political in nature.
During his tenure, Biden has repeatedly issued pardons and reduced sentences. It is quite common for a president to make use of this power, particularly before leaving office.
Biden said his administration would review further clemency requests in the coming weeks, before the Democrat cedes the White House to Republican President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Biden caused a stir when he pardoned his son Hunter in early December, despite previously promising not to do so.
The president’s 54-year-old son had pleaded guilty to federal tax charges after being found guilty of charges relating to gun possession and drug use in two separate trials. By pardoning Hunter, Biden spared his sole surviving son a prison sentence and potential prosecution for possible other allegations.
