Biden gives presidential pardon to son, Hunter, sparking controversy

In a shocking move, US President Joe Biden has given a presidential pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases.

The pardon, which was announced on Sunday, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the independence of the US judicial system.

Hunter Biden was convicted earlier this year of lying about his drug use when he bought a gun, a felony, and had also pleaded guilty in a separate tax evasion trial.

He was facing up to 17 years in prison for the tax evasion charges and 25 years for the gun charge.

However, with the presidential pardon, he will no longer face sentencing.

In a statement, President Biden explained that he had issued the pardon because he believed his son had been “singled out” and “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” due to his family name.

He also stated that he had kept his promise not to interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making but that he had watched his son being unfairly targeted by his political opponents.

The pardon has been met with criticism from Republicans, who have accused President Biden of abusing his power and showing favouritism to his son.

President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, calling the pardon an “abuse and miscarriage of justice!”

Despite the controversy, President Biden has defended his decision, stating that he believes in the justice system but that “raw politics has infected this process, and it led to a miscarriage of justice.”

Biden also referenced previous instances of presidential pardons, including those issued by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.

The pardon comes at a time when President Biden is preparing to leave office, with President-elect Trump set to take over on January 20.

The move has raised questions about the potential implications for the US judicial system and the rule of law.

Hunter Biden has also released a statement, expressing his gratitude for the pardon and stating that he will “devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.”

He has struggled with drug addiction in the past but has reportedly been sober for over five years.