President Biden announces biggest pardon day in US history

On December 12, US President Joe Biden decided to commute the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and completely pardon 39 people.

According to a White House statement, this is the largest single-day pardon in modern American history. Accordingly, nearly 1,500 people who have shown good behavior and pledged to make their communities safer will have their sentences reduced. In addition, Mr. Biden also completely pardoned 39 individuals who committed non-violent crimes.

US President Joe Biden speaks at an event at the White House on December 11

The sentence reduction applies to nearly 1,500 individuals who served at least one year of home confinement during the Covid-19 lockdown and who have shown progress in reintegrating into the community.

“These actions build on President Biden’s legacy of justice reform, which aims to reunite families, build strong communities, and facilitate the reintegration of individuals into society,” the White House said in a statement.

The US government also mentioned that Mr. Biden's term so far has commuted the sentences of more individuals than any of his predecessors, considering the same period in his first term. The current White House owner is also the first US president to grant absolute pardons to individuals convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Mr. Biden said more action would be taken in the coming weeks and that the administration would continue to review clemency applications. The White House said the clemency candidates include people who were previously subject to outdated policies and laws that resulted in harsher sentences than if they were convicted now.

On December 1, President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden from all charges, a decision that reversed his previous statements and was criticized by Republicans.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tong-thong-biden-cong-bo-ngay-an-xa-lon-nhat-lich-su-my-185241212194124674.htm