On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a formal pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who had been facing sentencing for two criminal cases. This decision comes despite the President’s earlier assurances that he would not intervene in his son’s legal matters.
“No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than that Hunter was singled out solely because he is my son — and that is wrong,” President Biden said in a statement.
This move is likely to raise new questions about the independence of the U.S. judicial system, particularly given that incoming President Donald Trump has sought to appoint loyalists to key positions in the FBI and Justice Department.
Earlier this year, Hunter Biden was convicted of lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm, a felony, and also pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion case. However, he had not yet been sentenced for either offense.
Despite his prior assertions that he would not pardon his son, President Biden said, “I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively and unfairly prosecuted.”
“The charges in his cases arose only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” he added. “I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and led to a miscarriage of justice.”
The pardon comes amid stalled criminal cases against President-elect Trump, following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, which could shield him from prosecution despite his conviction for falsifying business records in May.
Pardons for family members and political allies are not unprecedented. Former President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for old drug charges, and Trump pardoned the father of his son-in-law for tax evasion, though both men had already served their prison terms. Trump has also vowed to pardon individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, suggesting that the Biden administration’s move could fuel further political controversy.
Hunter Biden had previously reached a plea agreement for his tax case, which would have allowed him to avoid jail time. However, the deal collapsed at the last minute. In addition to paying back taxes and penalties, he faces significant jail time for the gun charge, with a potential sentence of up to 25 years.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have been a point of contention, especially during the election year, with Republicans accusing him of receiving preferential treatment. However, the President’s decision to step back from the race has dampened some of the Republican drive to target Hunter as a political tool.
In a statement, Hunter Biden, who has long struggled with drug addiction, said he would dedicate the rest of his life to helping those still suffering.
AFP
