President Biden’s Historic Pardons: Correcting Racial Disparities in Nonviolent Marijuana Convictions

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden demonstrated his use of presidential clemency power on Friday when he pardoned thousands of individuals convicted on federal land for nonviolent marijuana violations. Biden’s decision addressed the issue of racial disparities in drug prosecution and sentencing, a matter of great importance. Although criminal laws are meant to apply to all Americans equally, small amounts of cannabis possession or use have disproportionately affected Black individuals. Unequal enforcement can turn a colorblind law into an instrument of injustice. Clemency can help rectify these flaws in the criminal justice system. This marks … Read more

Belarusian President Grants Himself Immunity and Blocks Exiled Opposition Leaders from Future Elections

Minsk, Belarus – In a move to solidify his power and eliminate potential challengers in the upcoming presidential elections, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a new law granting him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution. The law also aims to prevent opposition leaders living in exile from running in future elections. This controversial legislation, which technically applies to any former president and their family members, is primarily targeted at Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for nearly three decades. With the next presidential election scheduled for 2025, the new law significantly tightens … Read more