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.
China's GDP grew 5.3% in Q1, beating expectations
Masseur, 47, 'rapes British pensioner, 71, after massaging her' in Portugal
China to enhance coordination with Arab League: Chinese FM
Texas Instruments, Mattel rise; General Dynamics, Teledyne fall, Wednesday, 4/24/2024
Antique book archive inaugurated in Beijing
Billionaire Elon Musk is mercilessly mocked over his 'embarrassing' red carpet poses
Carli Lloyd turns diplomat and takes a US message to kids in Greece
Meet Donald Trump's glamorous right
Former Labour minister Frank Field dies from cancer aged 81: Tributes pour in for 'formidable' ex
Why the royals are no fans of Buckingham Palace... and what it's really like to live there