Graham: Pardoning January 6th convicts is a dangerous heresy’
According to Russia Today, Senator Lindsey Graham, an ally of the new US President Donald Trump, criticized his decision to pardon those convicted of violent crimes in the case of the January 6, 2021 riots and the attack on the US Capitol, warning of its long-term consequences.
Graham told CNN: “Pardoning those who attacked police forces sends the wrong message to the public.”
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order that granted amnesty to about 1,500 prisoners linked to the January 6 riots. Among these people is the name of Stuart Rhodes, the founder of the militant and extremist group “The Oathkeepers”, who was charged with sedition in 2022. He had received the second-longest sentence among those accused of the January 6 riots, with 18 years in prison.
Legal experts and lawmakers believe that this decision carries the risk of emboldening extremist groups.
Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a longtime Trump ally, expressed concern about the consequences of this general pardon, adding: “I don’t like this decision and I think the people don’t like it either.”
According to him, unlimited pardons will reduce public confidence in the powers of the presidency. He added: “If this practice continues and becomes the norm, there is a possibility of an attempt to limit the president’s power to pardon.”
Regarding criticism of Trump’s decision, J.D. Vance, Trump’s vice president, said that all convicted criminals will be reviewed and that people who have committed violent crimes will not be included in the pardon!
During the January 6 riot, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to prevent the confirmation of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, attacking security forces and police and causing extensive damage to government property.