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.
Number of stabbing victims treated in Irish hospitals rises to 15-year high
State’s affordable housing agency to sell more homes to private market at full price
The gender gap among senior civil servants is closing, but not at secretary general level
‘Disgraceful’: Dublin 7 residents on removal of ‘Selections’ shop from derelict register
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.
