US President Joe Biden will pardon 75 non-violent drug offenders, releasing them from prison and back into the community. Three of the individuals will receive full pardons, wiping their records clean, as they have shown huge work and dedication towards rehabilitation.
The move is part of 'Second Chance Month', which seeks to focus on redemption and rehabilitation amongst prison inmates and ex-offenders.
In a statement, President Biden said:
"America is a nation of laws and second chances, redemption, and rehabilitation. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and law enforcement leaders agree that our criminal justice system can and should reflect these core values that enable safer and stronger communities. During Second Chance Month, I am using my authority under the Constitution to uphold those values by pardoning and commuting the sentences of fellow Americans."
"While today's announcement marks important progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms that advance equity and justice, provide second chances, and enhance the wellbeing and safety of all Americans."
An official from the White House said:
"The President believes that there (are) too many people serving unduly long sentences for non-violent drug crimes, a disproportionate number of whom are Black and brown. The President is also committed to using his clemency power to provide relief to individuals who are serving long sentences that they could no longer receive today, because of changes in the law, including the First Step Act, which reduced mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses."
Amongst those pardoned is an 86-year-old inmate who was formerly a Secret Service Agent.
The United States has the largest prison population in the world per-capita, with a majority of those incarcerated due to crimes related to the drugs trade. In many states, due to 'three-strike laws', some offenders are serving 25 years, and even life sentences, for possession of marijuana. This includes in states where marijuana has now been broadly decriminalised.
[Based on reporting by: CNN]
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