The sentences of almost 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug crimes were commuted by the outgoing US president, Joe Biden, who has become the president with the highest record of presidential pardons in the history of the country.
US President Joe Biden announced Friday that he commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug crimes. The Democrat is using his final days in the White House for a series of clemency actions seeking to overturn prison sentences he considers too harsh.
The recent round of pardons gives the president the presidential record for pardons and commutations. Biden said he seeks to reverse “disproportionately long sentences compared to what they would receive today under current law, policy and practice.”
“Today's clemency action provides relief to individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine, as well as outdated sentencing enhancements for drug crimes,” the president explained in a statement.
“This action is an important step toward righting historical wrongs, correcting disparities in sentencing, and offering deserving people the opportunity to return to their families and communities after spending too much time behind bars.”
The White House did not immediately reveal the names of those who benefited from the decision.
Biden said, however, that there could still be more such actions and promised to use the time left until President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office on Monday to “continue to review additional commutations and pardons.”
Friday's action follows commutations announced last month for about 1,500 people released from prison and placed under house arrest during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the pardons of 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes.
All of this comes as Biden continues to consider granting blanket pardons to officials and allies who the White House fears could be unfairly targeted by the new administration.
(With information from The Associated Press)