In the United States, Joe Biden continues to use his presidential power before handing over power to Donald Trump in less than a month. Today, the Democratic president decided to commute the sentences of 37 death row inmates. A decision at the request of human rights organizations.
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With our correspondent in Washington, Loubna Anaki
It is one of the most radical decisions against the death penalty in recent US history. Joe Biden commutes the sentences of almost all prisoners on federal death row. They will now serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Only three other prisoners tried for acts of terrorism and mass shootings remain on death row.
“ I am more convinced than ever that we must stop using the death penalty at the federal level “, explained Joe Biden while providing support to the families of the victims.
This decision only concerns prisoners convicted by federal justice. You should know that States use the death penalty much more often. There are now nearly 2,300 prisoners awaiting execution in the country.
Also readUnited States: record number of federal executions for more than a century
Upon arriving at the White House, Joe Biden signed a moratorium on executions at the federal level.
With the return of Donald Trump, human rights organizations fear a wave of executions, the Republican being a fervent supporter of capital punishment.
During his first term, he restarted executions at the federal level after a 17-year hiatus.
Also readUnited States: Joe Biden announces record number of individual pardons