Biden sets record with mass pardons for drug offenders
President Joe Biden of the USA announced the reduction of sentences for nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of drug offenses, setting a record for the number of pardons issued.
Biden justified his decision by stating that those convicted are serving "disproportionately long sentences." He highlighted in a statement that these individuals would receive much shorter sentences if tried under current laws, policies, and practices.
"Today, I am shortening the sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the ones they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice," Biden announced.
Record number of pardons
Biden's decision means he has granted more individual pardons than any other president in U.S. history. This marks another series of pardons by Biden, who previously commuted the sentences of 1,500 individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses and reduced the death sentences to life imprisonment for 37 out of 40 prisoners sentenced by federal courts.
Biden noted that he is considering issuing additional pardons. Earlier, he admitted to contemplating "preventive" pardons for people and officials who may be at risk of prosecution by Donald Trump's administration. Among the potential pardon recipients are former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, former special prosecutor Jack Smith, and General Mark Milley, whom Trump accused of treason.
Biden's decisions have sparked widespread discussion regarding his policy of reducing penalties for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses. Analysts emphasize that the president aims to reform the U.S. justice system, which has long been criticized for its harsh sentences in drug-related cases.
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