U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal inmates on death row, the White House announced in a statement. The unprecedented move marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to capital punishment.
The decision reflects the administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform and addresses longstanding concerns about the fairness and application of the death penalty in the United States.
“This is a step forward in rectifying injustices that have occurred within our legal system,” the statement read. “We are dedicated to ensuring that our justice system is equitable and just for all.”
Advocates for human rights and justice reform have praised the move, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the death penalty on marginalized communities. Critics of capital punishment argue that it does not effectively deter crime and is often applied inconsistently.
“This action by President Biden is a bold statement against the death penalty,” said Maria Lopez, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Coalition. “It gives hope to many who have been fighting for a more humane justice system.”
While the commutation of these sentences spares the inmates from execution, they will continue to serve life sentences without the possibility of parole. The remaining three individuals on death row were not included in the commutations, and no details were provided regarding their cases.
The United States is one of the few developed nations that still enforces the death penalty at the federal level. This move could signal a shift towards abolishing capital punishment altogether.
The president has previously expressed opposition to the death penalty, citing moral and ethical concerns. Monday’s action aligns with his administration’s broader efforts to reform the criminal justice system, address systemic racism, and promote human rights.
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Biden commutes sentences for 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
cgtn.com
