A Mississippi judge has blocked the release of 21 inmates granted reprieves by the outgoing governor, in a move that has sparked outrage in the state.
In his final days in office as Republican Governor, Haley Barbour gave clemency to more than 200 people, including convicted murderers.
But Mississippi's attorney general challenged the pardons, saying they may have violated the state constitution.
Two-term former Gov Barbour says his intentions have been misunderstood.
The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote,'' said Mr Barbour, who left office on Tuesday, in a statement.
My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the Parole Board in more than 90% of the cases.''
In addition to those convicted of manslaughter and murder, Mr Barbour gave early release to people convicted of drug crimes, drink-driving deaths, burglary and kidnapping.
It emerged on Monday that four convicted murderers who received full pardons last week had worked at the governor's mansion as part of a special privileges programme for well-behaved inmates.
One of those men was convicted of fatally shooting his estranged wife in 1993 as she held her baby, and wounding her male friend.
Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16523309
In his final days in office as Republican Governor, Haley Barbour gave clemency to more than 200 people, including convicted murderers.
But Mississippi's attorney general challenged the pardons, saying they may have violated the state constitution.
Two-term former Gov Barbour says his intentions have been misunderstood.
The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote,'' said Mr Barbour, who left office on Tuesday, in a statement.
My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the Parole Board in more than 90% of the cases.''
In addition to those convicted of manslaughter and murder, Mr Barbour gave early release to people convicted of drug crimes, drink-driving deaths, burglary and kidnapping.
It emerged on Monday that four convicted murderers who received full pardons last week had worked at the governor's mansion as part of a special privileges programme for well-behaved inmates.
One of those men was convicted of fatally shooting his estranged wife in 1993 as she held her baby, and wounding her male friend.
Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16523309
