Rights groups urge Biden to act on death clemency before exit
A coalition of more than 130 rights organizations has called on President Joe Biden to commute the sentences of all 40 individuals on federal death row.
In a letter to the president, the groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and The Sentencing Project, emphasized the urgency of this action.
They fear the incoming Donald Trump administration will resume federal executions.
The letter highlighted the racial bias and historical injustices tied to the death penalty in the U.S., and criticized its ineffectiveness in deterring crime.
It also noted Trump’s record of carrying out more executions than the previous 10 administrations combined, disproportionately affecting people of color.
Advocates, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley and 60 other lawmakers, are pushing for broad clemency measures for vulnerable groups.
While Biden has issued fewer pardons than his predecessors, the White House indicates more clemency announcements may come as his term ends.
President of the People’s Policy Project Matt Bruenig says Biden recently pardoned his son, but has been inactive in using his clemency powers for ordinary people.
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