The FALN and Macheteros Clemency: Misleading Explanations, a Reckless Decision, a Dangerous Message

Publication

The FALN and Macheteros Clemency: Misleading Explanations, a Reckless Decision, a Dangerous Message

Abstract

The House Committee on Government Reform investigated President Clinton's decision to offer clemency to 16 terrorists who were responsible for mass acts of violence in the pursuit of promoting Puerto Rican independence. The report found that the individuals were unlikely candidates for clemency as they did not request it, nor did they admit to any wrongdoing. As a result, the report concluded that people in the White House reaped political benefits from the terrorists release. This misuse of executive privilege was seen to have undermined the US position in the international fight against terrorism and also set a precedent that there were different standards for terrorists who are US citizens.