US President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he would commute the sentences of nearly 1,500 Americans and pardon 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes, a move the White House called “the greatest day in modern history.” “A pardon.”
But as his term draws to a close, the president’s full use of clemency power does not seem to have extended to any of the 40 people currently on death row, some of them decades old. There are also death row inmates.
Those who received commutations “have served their sentences at home for at least one year under the COVID-era CARES Act,” according to a White House fact sheet. This law extends the length of time people can be kept in their homes. Confinement to reduce the spread of the virus in prisons.
The White House did not release the names of those who received pardons or commutations, but the list included “decorated veterans,” “nurses who led emergency response efforts in several natural disasters,” and “helping young people.” This includes “addiction counselors who volunteer their time to help.” People find their purpose. ”
The Biden Justice Department suspended federal executions in 2021, but President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to expand the use of the death penalty during his campaign, and 40 death row inmates have been executed. It is expected that it will be approved. He will still be there when he takes office next month.
“We can take steps to grant mercy to those who show remorse and rehabilitation, restore opportunities for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and eliminate sentencing disparities,” Biden said in a statement Thursday. I have a great privilege.” Non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug crimes. ”
“That’s why today I am pardoning 39 people who have successfully rehabilitated themselves and helped make our communities stronger and safer,” the president said. “I am also commuting the sentences of approximately 1,500 people serving long prison sentences, many of whom would have their sentences reduced if they were prosecuted under today’s laws, policies, and practices. Those eligible for sentence reductions who were placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities, demonstrating that they deserve a second chance.”
Biden, who has called for abolition of the death penalty at the federal level, vowed to take “further steps in the coming weeks” while leaving open the possibility of commuting the sentences of death row inmates as his administration reviews clemency petitions.
But human rights groups, religious leaders, former federal judges and progressive lawmakers have increased pressure on Mr. Biden to act in recent days, warning he is running out of time.
“State-sanctioned murder is not justice,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.). “President Biden has the opportunity and obligation before he leaves office to make good on his campaign promise to save lives and tackle the federal death penalty.” said. at a press conference earlier this week. “The incoming administration plans to execute 40 death row inmates, and we call on the president to use his pardon power to commute their death sentences and punish their indignation with prison terms. There is.”
