WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted of non-violent drug crimes, issuing pardons to 11 men and women and commuting the sentences of five other people in the latest use of his clemency power to address racial disparities in the justice system.
Biden said in a statement Wednesday that April is Second Chance Month and that many of the individuals getting clemency had received “disproportionately longer” sentences than they would have under current law.
The Democratic president is campaigning for reelection in November and is grappling with how to boost support from communities of color that heavily supported him over Republican Donald Trump in the 2020 election. The two rivals are headed for a likely rematch in November.
“Like my other clemency actions, these pardons and commutations reflect my overarching commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety,” Biden said.
Chicago 'rat hole' has been removed
Chinese envoy calls on U.S. to find right way to get along with China in new era
Do YOU think St George's Day should be a national holiday?
Yobs armed with catapults terrorise a quiet Surrey village
Rebecca Minkoff's RHONY castmates rally around her as they film scenes for the show's new season
Father rescued from migrant boat tragedy in Channel 'watched four
Child murderer who abducted and killed schoolboy 50 years ago dies in prison of old age
Hazing concerns prompt University of Virginia to expel 1 fraternity and suspend 3 others
How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 4/23/2024