US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son Hunter, sparing him from potential prison time over federal felony gun and tax convictions.
The announcement came on Sunday night, marking a significant reversal of Biden's previous pledges not to use presidential powers to benefit family members.
The President signed what he called a "full and unconditional" pardon for Hunter Biden.
"From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," Biden said in a White House statement.
Hunter Biden's 'unprecedented' pardoning slammed by top American attorney: 'Unfair!'
GBN AMERICA / REUTERS
American attorney Hans von Spakovsky has called Hunter Biden's pardon "unprecedented" in comments to GBN America.
"It's no surprise to anyone in Washington - we all knew it was just a matter of time because Joe Biden has never really acknowledged or recognised the wrongdoing by his son," von Spakovsky said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Joe Biden has been branded 'truly extraordinary' for granting son Hunter a 'full and unconditional' pardonGettyHe pointed out that similar offences have resulted in prison sentences for others.
"There are folks sitting in federal prison right now for having lied on the form you fill out when you register to buy a gun in the United States," he stated.
"There are people in prison right now for not paying their taxes," von Spakovsky added.
President Biden defended his decision by claiming "raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice."
Hunter BidenPA"I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision," he added in his statement.
The President insisted he believes in the justice system, even as he moved to spare his son from prosecution.
Von Spakovsky dismissed Biden's justification as "a ridiculous argument."
"He tries to minimise this by saying Hunter Biden was simply late on paying his taxes. No. He was indicted for four years worth of not paying his taxes and filing false tax returns," von Spakovsky explained.
Von Spakovsky further criticised what he described as a cover-up within federal agencies.
He highlighted attempts "both inside the Justice Department and the FBI to try to prevent these criminal indictments."
The attorney noted that Hunter Biden's tax evasion was more extensive than portrayed.
"Keep in mind he should have been indicted for another two years worth of not paying taxes," von Spakovsky said.
The pardon comes after Hunter Biden was initially given what von Spakovsky suggested was a lenient "judicial slap on the wrist" over gun-related charges, before facing more serious felony counts.
