California governor to grant clemency to all 548 death row inmates
California voters last upheld the death penalty in 2016, rejecting a referendum to abolish execution
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced he will commute the death sentences of all 548 inmates on death row in his state, marking the largest mass clemency in US history. Newsom, a Democrat facing a potential 2028 presidential bid, declared capital punishment morally wrong and signed a three-page letter to "all Californians."
The moratorium on executions began in March 2019, and California last carried out an execution in 2006 under Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The death penalty remains on the books in California, though recent polls show a decreasing support for capital punishment. Newsom's decision comes amid ongoing debate over the issue, with 15 countries actively executing people and more than 20 US states having abolished the practice.
The governor emphasized that the state cannot morally kill its prisoners, stating, "These offenders will die in prison, but not by our hand."
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- California governor says commuting all death sentences in state channelnewsasia.com
- California governor says commuting all death sentences in state japantimes.co.jp
