U.S. President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, a move the White House called 'historic' in a statement Monday. 🌍 The decision marks one of the largest commutations in recent U.S. history and reignites debates about capital punishment.
While details on individual cases remain sparse, the action aligns with Biden's 2020 campaign promise to eliminate the federal death penalty—a policy critics argue disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. 🤝 The three inmates not included in the commutation reportedly had pending legal challenges.
Young activists and advocacy groups have praised the move as a 'step toward justice reform,' while opponents question its implications for victims' families. 🔍 Experts say this could signal renewed momentum for bipartisan talks on criminal justice overhaul—a hot topic among Gen Z voters.
How does this compare globally? The U.S. remains one of 55 countries retaining the death penalty, alongside nations like China and Iran. 🧐 Still, Biden’s decision reflects shifting attitudes: federal executions had paused for 17 years before resuming under the previous administration.
What’s next? Advocates urge Congress to pass legislation permanently ending federal capital punishment—but with midterms looming, the road ahead looks tricky. ⚖️ Stay tuned for updates!
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Biden commutes sentences for 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
cgtn.com