ACLU Comment on Alabamians’ Presidential Pardons, Clemency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2013

CONTACT: Brooke Anderson, ACLU of Alabama, 334-265-2754 ext. 205, [email protected]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The ACLU of Alabama applauds President Obama’s clemency grant and pardons for three Alabamians, each of whom were convicted on non-violent drug charges.

Below is a statement from Susan Watson, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama regarding President Obama’s clemency grant and pardons of three Alabamians:

“Life without parole sentences for non-violent offenses is cruel, inhumane and wasteful of human life and tax-payer dollars. We are pleased that President Obama has taken this important step to reversing the damage that has afflicted so many in the criminal justice system and we look forward to greater reform steps in the immediate future.”

December 19, 2013

Media Relations

Charlie Lee Davis, Jr. of Wetumpka, Ala. and Martin Alan Hatcher of Foley, Ala. each received pardons after serving sentences on drug-possession charges.

Clarence Aaron, 44, of Mobile, Ala. was granted clemency today after serving 15 years of three life-without-parole sentences.

Aaron was also profiled in the ACLU’s recent report on individuals serving life without parole sentences for non-violent offenses.

Read the full report:
aclu.org/living-death-sentenced-die-behind-bars-what

For additional information, please contact:
Brooke Anderson, Communications Manager, (334) 265-2754 ext. 205

Related Issues

Criminal Legal Reform View All Issues