@japdmedia26: California, USA — Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to commute all 548 death sentences in California to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, in a major decision ahead of his departure from office. The announcement, made on Thursday, November 5, 2026, affects 529 men and 19 women currently on California's death row. Newsom explained that his decision reflects his longstanding opposition to capital punishment. "I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values, undermines the foundations of our legal system, and diminishes each of us," Newsom said in a letter. The governor described the decision as one of the most difficult of his political career and acknowledged that it could reopen painful memories for families of crime victims. "As Governor, I alone bear responsibility for this decision and its impact, just as I alone would bear responsibility for each execution," Newsom wrote. However, the commutations are not automatically finalized for all 548 inmates. Under California's constitution, the state Supreme Court must approve clemency for individuals convicted of multiple felonies. Approximately 382 cases require this additional approval. The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed the announcement. “These commutations reflect what justice demands: an end to a racist, error-prone, and inhumane punishment that has burdened California for far too long,” said executive director Anthony Romero in a statement. Newsom previously imposed a moratorium on executions in California in 2019, shortly after taking office. The state has not carried out an execution since January 2006. The decision also comes as Newsom is widely considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate for the 2028 election. He previously indicated that he would not run if former Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race. “I wouldn’t run if she ran,” Newsom said. He also emphasized the importance of his family when discussing his political future. “I’ve got four kids. It’s the only thing that matters to me. They gotta be on board.” The commutations would not release the inmates from prison or overturn their convictions. Instead, those whose commutations are finalized would serve life sentences without the possibility of parole. Source: The Independent, Associated Press, Reuters and The Los Angeles Times. #California #USA #GavinNewsom #DeathPenalty #japd

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Thursday 05 November 2026 20:22:10 GMT