Biden Commutes sentences of 1,500, Pardoning 39 in historic Clemency Push
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WASHINGTON (AP) — In a landmark move, President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Biden pardoned 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent offenses, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern U.S. history.
The commutations announced on Thursday apply to individuals who have completed at least one year of home confinement after their release. The decision was partly driven by the heightened risk of COVID-19 transmission in prisons, where, at one point, one in five prisoners contracted the virus, according to data from The Associated press.
Biden emphasized that this is just the beginning of his management’s efforts to promote justice and fairness. “america was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.”
This historic act of clemency follows a broader pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter, who faced prosecution for gun and tax crimes.Advocacy groups are now urging Biden to extend pardons to a wider range of individuals,including those on federal death row,before the next administration takes office in January. Additionally, Biden is considering whether to issue preemptive pardons to individuals involved in investigating former president Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, who may face retribution under a new administration.
The individuals pardoned on Thursday were convicted of nonviolent crimes,such as drug offenses,and have since turned their lives around.Among them are a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who works as an addiction and youth counselor, a doctoral student in molecular biosciences, and a decorated military veteran.White House lawyers highlighted their contributions to society as evidence of their rehabilitation.
Prior to this announcement, Biden had already issued 122 commutations and 21 pardons.He has also taken meaningful steps to address drug-related sentencing disparities, including pardoning individuals convicted of simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia.
This latest move underscores Biden’s commitment to criminal justice reform and his belief in the power of second chances. As he continues to review clemency petitions, the president’s actions are expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of Americans.
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Biden Considers Broad Pardons Ahead of Presidential Transition
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, speculation is mounting about potential pardons and commutations that could be issued in his final days. Among the groups advocating for clemency are U.S. service members convicted under a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex, environmental lawyer Steven donziger, and federal death row inmates.
Rep.Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and 34 other lawmakers have urged Biden to pardon Steven Donziger, an environmental and human rights attorney who has spent three years in prison or under house arrest due to a contempt of court charge stemming from his legal battle against Chevron on behalf of Indigenous farmers.Meanwhile, activists are pushing for Biden to commute the sentences of federal death row prisoners, a move that could halt the resumption of executions under a potential Trump administration.
During his first term, former President Donald Trump oversaw an unprecedented number of federal executions, many of which occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden, who campaigned on ending the death penalty in 2020, has yet to take action on this issue, leaving advocates concerned about its future.
Pardons and Precedents
Biden has been contemplating the use of his pardon power for up to six months, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, concerns about setting a precedent have delayed any decisions. The president has the authority to both pardon individuals, absolving them of guilt and punishment, and commute sentences, which reduces or eliminates punishment without exonerating the wrongdoing.
Newly elected California Sen. Adam Schiff, who chaired the congressional committee investigating the January 6 insurrection, argued that Biden’s pardons shoudl focus on broader issues rather than personal concerns. “Such a pardon would be unneeded,” Schiff said, adding that Biden should not spend his final days in office worrying about potential prosecutions.
Public Opinion and controversy
biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, earlier in his presidency drew significant criticism, with only about 20% of Americans approving of the move, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.This has led to increased pressure on the administration to use its pardon power more judiciously, particularly for everyday Americans facing systemic injustices.
As Biden’s term draws to a close, the question remains: Will he use his executive authority to address long-standing grievances and systemic issues, or will he leave these decisions to his successor? The coming weeks will reveal whether his legacy includes a final act of mercy for those seeking justice and redemption.
Stay tuned for updates as President Biden’s final decisions on pardons and commutations unfold.
Global Climate Summit Kicks Off with Calls for urgent Action
the highly anticipated Global Climate Summit officially commenced today, bringing together world leaders, environmental experts, and activists to address the pressing issue of climate change. Held in Geneva, Switzerland, the summit aims to foster international cooperation and accelerate efforts to combat global warming.
In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The clock is ticking, and the world is running out of time. We must act now to secure a enduring future for generations to come.” Guterres called for a collective commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Key Initiatives and Commitments
One of the central themes of the summit is the promotion of green technologies and sustainable practices. Several countries have already pledged significant investments in renewable energy projects, with the European Union announcing a $50 billion fund dedicated to solar and wind energy initiatives. Additionally, the United States has committed to rejoin the Paris Agreement, signaling a renewed focus on international climate cooperation.
Environmental activists have also played a crucial role in the summit, advocating for stronger policies and greater accountability. Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist, addressed the assembly, urging leaders to take immediate action. “We cannot afford to wait any longer,” she said. “The time for empty promises is over.We need concrete actions and measurable results.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the optimism surrounding the summit, significant challenges remain. Developing countries have expressed concerns about the financial and technological barriers to implementing sustainable practices. To address these issues, the summit has introduced a new initiative aimed at providing financial assistance and technical support to underdeveloped nations.
on the other hand, the summit has also highlighted several opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Companies and research institutions are showcasing cutting-edge technologies, such as carbon capture and storage systems, which could revolutionize the way we manage emissions. These advancements are seen as critical steps toward achieving global climate goals.
Looking Ahead
As the summit progresses, the focus will shift to developing actionable plans and strategies. The final day is expected to feature a series of high-level meetings aimed at finalizing agreements and setting concrete targets for the coming years. the outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the global response to climate change.
the Global Climate Summit represents a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. With the world’s attention focused on Geneva,the hope is that this gathering will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. As Guterres aptly put it, ”The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today.”
For more updates on the Global Climate Summit,stay tuned to World Today News.
A enduring future for generations to come.” Guterres called for a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change.
The summit has already seen several significant announcements, including pledges from major economies to phase out coal power and increase investment in green technologies. European Union leaders, for example, unveiled a plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while China announced its intention to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
However, not all participants are optimistic about the outcome.Critics argue that current commitments are insufficient to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.They emphasize the need for more ambitious targets and immediate action to avoid catastrophic consequences.
As the summit progresses, discussions will focus on financing climate action, supporting developing countries in thier transition to low-carbon economies, and addressing the social and economic impacts of climate policies. Activists are also calling for greater openness and accountability from governments and corporations to ensure that promises are followed by concrete actions.
The Global Climate Summit serves as a critical platform for addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As world leaders gather to discuss solutions, the hope is that this event will galvanize global efforts and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
For more updates on the Global Climate Summit and other environmental news, visit [world-today-news.com](https://world-today-news.com).
