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The president of the United States, Joe Biden, announced on Monday the commutation of death sentences for 37 individuals sentenced at the federal level, converting them to life sentences without the possibility of parole. Among those benefiting from this decision is at least one person of Cuban origin, according to preliminary reports.
Daniel Troya, from a Cuban and Puerto Rican family, was sentenced for the deaths of four individuals in a drug-related settling of accounts in Florida, according to the site 14yMedio.
Biden, who will leave office on January 20, has issued more commutations in this final stretch of his presidency than any other recent president during the same period of their first terms, according to the White House.
This act reaffirms their commitment to judicial reform and their stance against the death penalty, except in exceptional cases such as terrorism and hate-motivated mass killings.
Since taking office, the Biden administration imposed a moratorium on federal executions, a measure that is now reinforced by these commutations. The White House emphasized that this decision ensures that the next administration cannot proceed with executions that would not be approved under current policies.
At the beginning of this month, Biden also issued the highest number of pardons in a single day in the country's history, benefiting 1,500 individuals, including those convicted for marijuana use and LGBTQI+ veterans who had faced discriminatory sentences.
With these decisions, the leader aims to leave a legacy of restorative justice and reconciliation, moving towards a system that prioritizes rehabilitation and equity. Although he faces criticism from some sectors, his actions are celebrated by organizations that defend human rights and advocate for the abolition of the death penalty in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Joe Biden's Commutations of Death Sentences
Why did Joe Biden commute the sentences of 37 death row inmates?
Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 death row inmates as part of his stance against the death penalty, except in exceptional cases such as terrorism and hate-driven mass murders. This action reaffirms his commitment to reforming the judicial system and seeks to leave a legacy of restorative justice and reconciliation.
What does the commutation of a death sentence mean for those convicted?
The commutation of a death sentence means that the original ruling is changed to a less severe penalty. In this case, the death sentences were converted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, meaning that the convicted individuals will spend the rest of their lives in prison.
What is the impact of these commutations on the death penalty policy in the United States?
These commutations solidify the moratorium on federal executions imposed by the Biden administration since it took office. The decision ensures that the next administration cannot proceed with executions that, under current policies, would not be approved, marking a significant step toward the abolition of the death penalty at the federal level.
Who is Daniel Troya and why was he sentenced?
Daniel Troya is one of the individuals whose sentence was commuted by Joe Biden. He is of Cuban descent and was convicted for the deaths of four people in a drug-related revenge scheme in Florida. This decision is part of the 37 commutations announced by the president.
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