Biden reduces sentences of 2,500 individuals convicted of drug-related crimes
Joe Biden, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
US President Joe Biden, who is set to leave office soon, announced on Friday, November 17, that he is granting clemency to nearly 2,500 individuals. These are people convicted of non-violent offenses, reports Reuters.
"Those benefiting from Friday's action are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice," Biden said.
A statement from the White House noted that this move provides an opportunity for clemency to individuals whose cases involved discredited disparities in sentencing for crimes related to crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentences for drug-related offenses.
Biden emphasized that, to date, he has granted more pardons and sentence commutations than any other predecessor.
Reuters added that in December, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal inmates who had been sentenced to death, replacing their sentences with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
That same month, he also announced pardons for 39 individuals convicted of non-violent crimes and sentence reductions for nearly 1,500 others serving long prison terms.
Additionally, US President Biden faced criticism for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, who pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on charges related to firearms.
The agency also notes that presidents typically issue pardons closer to the end of their term.
US President-elect Donald Trump promised to pardon some of his supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's victory in the 2020 election.
