Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he is pardoning 39 individuals convicted of non-violent offenses and commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others who were

serving lengthy prison terms.

The clemency measures come just over a week after Biden issued an unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. This move has intensified calls for the president to extend similar acts of mercy to thousands of others affected by inequities in the U.S. justice system.

The White House emphasized that the commutations primarily apply to individuals who had been placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden noted that many of these individuals would have faced shorter sentences if charged under current laws and sentencing guidelines.

"As President, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to those who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation," Biden stated. "This action not only restores opportunities for these Americans to reintegrate into society but also addresses sentencing disparities, particularly for non-violent drug offenders."

The clemency actions align with calls from civil rights organizations and criminal justice advocates, who have long urged the administration to address cases of unjust incarceration. Sources previously indicated that Biden's pardons would focus on individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses and other cases deemed inequitable.

Biden also signaled that more clemency measures could be forthcoming, stating, "My administration remains committed to reviewing clemency petitions and ensuring fairness in the justice system."

According to the White House, Thursday's clemency actions represent the largest number granted in a single day by any U.S. president.

Meanwhile, incoming President Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20, has pledged to issue pardons on his first day for those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, sparking speculation about his plans for broader clemency measures. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.