Joe Biden commutes sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders

Total number of pardons and commutations issued by US president is now higher than any of his predecessors

Joe Biden, who leaves office next week, announced on Friday he was commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 people convicted of non-violent drug offences, saying he had now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any predecessor.

The US president said in a statement that those benefiting from Friday's action were serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy and practice".