Biden's Pardon for Hunter Sparks Debate on US Justice System's Integrity, Say Indian Analysts

New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The decision made by US President Joe Biden to extend a comprehensive pardon to his eldest son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on charges of gun-related offenses and tax irregularities, has ignited considerable backlash from experts in India. They point to what they view as double standards within the American justice system, notably in connection with accusations against industrialist Gautam Adani.

This action, characterized as a significant "U-turn" from Biden's prior promises of judicial neutrality, has reignited discussions regarding the autonomy of the US Department of Justice and its perceived susceptibility to political influences.

Biden has defended his decision by asserting that the charges against his son were politically motivated and intended to "break" both him and Hunter.

In a striking contrast to his former public assertions, where he pledged to uphold the rule of law without interfering in his son's legal challenges, Biden's recent choice has led to accusations of hypocrisy. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump criticized the pardon, labeling it a "miscarriage of justice".

Indian commentators have also weighed in, with many emphasizing what they perceive as the double standards in the US justice system, particularly regarding the accusations directed at Gautam Adani.

In conversation with IANS, former diplomat and IFS officer Ashok Sajjanhar condemned Biden's action, viewing it as a testament to America's "hypocrisy".

"This illustrates America's hypocrisy. Joe Biden had previously stated he would refrain from using his presidential authority to intervene in his son's legal issues, but this stance has now been completely overturned. Biden likely fears that the upcoming Trump administration will aggressively pursue his son, similar to how the Democrats targeted Trump. This reversal raises significant doubts about his credibility," Sajjanhar remarked.

Sajjanhar also highlighted the actions of the US Department of Justice against Adani, describing them as politically motivated.

"The same Department of Justice that grants pardons to Biden's son has also brought charges against Indian entrepreneur Gautam Adani and his associates. This underscores the political meddling at play and exposes the inconsistent policies of a nation that professes to uphold democracy and the rule of law," he added.

Retired Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni also criticized the pardon, asserting that the Department of Justice operates under political influence.

"Joe Biden has entirely pardoned his son, despite Hunter facing multiple indictments related to drug offenses and tax evasion. Simultaneously, the Department of Justice has lodged charges against Adani and his associates without substantiating their guilt. This indicates a politically motivated agenda," Kulkarni stated.

Kulkarni further questioned the validity of the accusations against the Adani Group, suggesting they were intended to tarnish the industrialist's reputation.

"If the President of the United States himself lacks trust in his Department of Justice, how can we believe the accusations against Adani are devoid of political influence? These unfounded claims are a blatant attempt to mislead and damage his credibility," he added.

Former Ambassador Yogesh Gupta resonated with these views, labeling Biden's action as "undemocratic" and an interference in the judicial process.

"Biden previously claimed he would not meddle in judicial affairs, but his pardon of Hunter signifies a total reversal. This raises substantial concerns regarding the independence of the US justice system," Gupta remarked.

Gupta also condemned the Biden administration's actions against Adani, deeming them baseless.

"The Biden administration has questioned Gautam Adani's business practices without offering supporting evidence. Reports indicate that the US Department of Justice even issued arrest warrants against members of the Adani group, which further emphasizes the politically charged nature of these actions," he stated.

The pardon has prompted widespread condemnation, with experts arguing that it tarnishes the reputation of the US as a champion of democracy and the rule of law. They contend that such actions not only undermine America's credibility but also threaten its relationships with significant allies, including India.