US President Joe Biden has issued a controversial pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two federal criminal cases.
The pardon comes after Hunter’s conviction on gun charges and a guilty plea in a federal tax evasion case, both of which were set to result in significant jail time.
So what did Hunter Biden do and what is a presidential pardon?
Hunter Biden was convicted in June for lying about his drug use on a form when purchasing a handgun, and in September, he pleaded guilty to charges of failing to pay taxes between 2016 and 2019.
He was facing up to 42 years in prison. However, the president’s decision to grant a “full and unconditional pardon” has sparked debate.
A presidential pardon is a legal act that provides full forgiveness for federal crimes, eliminating punishment and restoring civil rights.
In a statement, President Biden expressed that the charges against his son were politically motivated, describing the legal proceedings as a “miscarriage of justice.”
“It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Mr Biden said.
“I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision.”
The former US president’s pardon could cover any offenses Hunter Biden committed between 2014 and 2024.
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