Biden commutes more sentences, this time for 2,500 non-violent drug offenders


FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as he visits the Department of Labor for an event honoring the nation's labor history and Frances Perkins, longest serving U.S Secretary of Labor, in Washington, U.S., December 16, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

(Reuters) - President Joe Biden, who leaves office next week, announced on Friday that he was commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offenses, saying he has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any predecessor.

Those benefiting from Friday's action "are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice," Biden said in a statement.

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