Savelletri, Italy

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (June 13) promised that he would neither pardon nor commute any sentence for his son Hunter Biden. His statement comes after Hunter's conviction on charges related to lying about his drug addiction while purchasing a handgun.

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'I'll abide by the jury's decision'

At the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, at a press conference, President Biden was asked by reporters if he would consider commuting any sentence Hunter might receive. 

Biden described Hunter as one of the brightest and most decent men he knows and said, "I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know."

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However, he reiterated: "I said I'd abide by the jury decision. I will do that. I will not pardon him."

Also read | Hunter gets hug from father Joe Biden after being convicted on federal gun charges

Hunter Biden's conviction

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The recent trial saw the first time the child of a sitting president faced criminal prosecution. 

The jury found him guilty on three felony counts stemming from his 2018 handgun purchase while addicted to crack cocaine. 

While he could face up to 25 years in prison, it is unlikely given his status as a first-time offender. Sentencing is expected in the next few months.

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Previously, President Biden, in his first public statement after the verdict, had said that he loved his sole surviving son, but that he would respect the jury's decision.

On his way to Italy, he had first made a stop in Wilmington, Delaware, the family's hometown and where the trial took place. He, as per AFP, had altered his schedule to visit Hunter, who was waiting on the tarmac as Marine One landed. The father and son shared a warm embrace before Biden departed for Italy.