Biden grants clemency to 1,500, pardons 39 in largest act of mercy

The announcement follows Biden's controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, for firearms and tax convictions

In a historic move, US President Joe Biden has commuted nearly 1,500 prison sentences and pardoned 39 individuals, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern US history, the White House announced on Thursday.

The commutations affect individuals who were placed under home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many facing sentences that would be reduced under current laws.

Biden explained in a statement, “I am also commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who are serving long prison sentences – many of whom would receive lower sentences if charged under today’s laws, policies, and practices.”

The 39 pardons granted to individuals were for those who have demonstrated “successful rehabilitation” and have worked to strengthen their communities as Biden emphasised their commitment to safety and their efforts to rebuild their lives.

This announcement comes less than two weeks after Biden controversially pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for firearms and tax convictions, which led to criticism from Republicans accusing the president of applying a separate standard of justice to his family.

However, Biden’s actions on Thursday focused on broader criminal justice reform, with the White House stating that these clemency decisions reflect the administration’s focus on rehabilitation and reform.