US president Joe Biden has granted his son Hunter Biden a full and unconditional pardon in charges related to criminal tax and gun cases against him.
The timing is key: Hunter Biden who pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges in court in Los Angeles was due to be sentenced December 16th. Furthermore, a jury found him guilty in June of making false statements on a gun background check and he was due to be sentenced for those charges this month.
The news comes after repeated statements by the president that he would never issue a presidential pardon for his son.
The pardon covers 10 years which would suggest that Biden feared his son might yet be subject to more charges once the Trump administration begins.
Bessborough researcher urges purchase of site and inquest into deaths of women and babies
Girl (10) who died in car crash gave ‘gift of life’ to four children through organ donation
Gardaí trying to piece together Glen Hansard’s last movements after leaving west Dublin pub
Law Society flags remaining issues in dispute over legal aid changes
This was not the first time a president has pardoned a family member. Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger before he left office, and president-elect Donald pardoned his daughter’s father-in-law Charles Kushner – and has since rewarded him with the ambassadorship of France.
So does the president believe in the justice system or does he believe that his son was singled out politically? And has the outgoing president tarnished his legacy by appearing to put family over country?
Washington correspondent, Keith Duggan explains.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.
