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                Obama Cuts Prison Sentences of 61 Drug Offenders

   by Amanda Scott

   U.S. President Barack Obama is commuting the prison sentences of 61
   people serving time for drug-related crimes.

   The White House says more than one-third of the inmates were serving
   life sentences. All of them were jailed for drug possession, intent to
   distribute or related crimes. A few also had firearms violations.

   In a letter to those receiving clemency, Obama said the power to grant
   pardons and commutations "embodies the basic belief in our democracy
   that people deserve a second chance after having made a mistake in
   their lives that led to a conviction under our laws."

   The White House says Obama also cautioned those receiving clemency that
   what they do with this unexpected opportunity reflects not only on each
   individual person, but also on all those still behind bars who are
   seeking that same shot at a new life.

   Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates said the president's announcement
   "demonstrates his commitment to ensuring a fair and just criminal
   justice system."

   "The clemency initiative that the President announced in 2014 is an
   important part of the department's overall criminal justice reform
   efforts," Yates said in a Department of Justice statement. "We hope to
   soon realize systemic change in the length of prison sentences for
   these low-level drug offenders and to provide better tools for a safe
   and successful reentry into the community."

   The White House says Obama has now commuted the sentences of 248
   individuals - more than the last six presidents combined.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-cuts-prison-sentences-of-61-dru
   g-offenders/3261793.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-cuts-prison-sentences-of-61-drug-offenders/3261793.html