Biden pardons 39 people and commutes the sentences of 1,500 people
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Biden pardons 39 people and commutes the sentences of 1,500 people

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

Topline

President Joe Biden granted clemency to 1,500 people on Thursday, the most ever for a single president, the White House said, two weeks after he controversially pardoned his son Hunter, who was convicted of gun and tax crimes.

Important facts

The White House said the clemency authorization extends to nearly 1,500 people who were in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic after being released from prison in an effort to limit the impact of the virus in prisons.

The commutations were granted to people who have been serving their sentence at home for at least a year.

The statement said these people “have been reunited with their families and have demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation by securing employment and furthering their education.”

Biden also pardoned 39 people who were convicted of nonviolent crimes, including drug offenses, “and changed their lives.”

The White House did not disclose the identities of those granted clemency, but gave some examples including a military veteran, a nurse who “led vaccination efforts” during the pandemic and an addiction counselor.

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Crucial quote

“America was built on the promise of opportunity and second chances…I have the great privilege of extending mercy to those who have shown remorse and rehabilitation, giving Americans the opportunity to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities “There are disparities in the sentencing of nonviolent offenders, particularly those convicted of drug crimes,” Biden said in a statement.

What you should pay attention to

Biden added that his administration will continue to consider clemency requests in the coming weeks to “advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reintegration, and provide meaningful second chances.” While the president did not name any names, reports suggest he is considering preemptive pardons of several people who may be targeted by Trump after he takes office. The list of names reportedly includes Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., both of whom served on the House committee on Jan. 6, as well as Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergies and infectious diseases.

Further reading

Gavin Newsom and Democrats Condemn Hunter Biden’s Pardon: Here’s How Both Sides Reacted (Forbes)

Trump says January 6 committee should be jailed – as Biden reportedly considers pardons for Trump enemies (Forbes)

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