Activist Demands Biden Commute Death Sentences with Reps. Pressley and Bush

Congressional Democrats, including Reps. Ayana Pressley and Cori Bush, called on President Joe Biden to use his executive powers to commute the sentences of federal death row inmates. They emphasized the importance of Biden using his clemency powers to save lives and fulfill a campaign promise to end the federal death penalty. There are currently 40 men on federal death row whose sentences Biden could commute to life in prison. Advocates are concerned that the incoming Trump administration could restart federal executions, as Trump had called for expanded use of the death penalty during his campaign. They argue that the death penalty is a cruel, racist, and flawed punishment that disproportionately affects Black, brown, and low-income families. Activists believe that granting clemency to death row inmates could define Biden’s legacy and demonstrate his willingness to protect individuals from potential political persecution. The push for death row commutations is seen as an opportunity for Biden to control his legacy and make a lasting impact before leaving office.Critics raised concerns about fairness and highlighted the need to abolish the death penalty at both the federal and state levels. The push for clemency comes amid discussions of preemptive pardons by Biden to protect individuals targeted by the Trump administration. Advocates assert that commuting death sentences is a crucial step for Biden to demonstrate compassion, promote justice, and address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system.

Photo credit
www.usatoday.com