Barbour Pardons Draw Public Outcry

The Takeaway

On Tuesday, outgoing Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour granted full and unconditional pardons to 193 inmates. Many of these prisoners had been convicted of murder, rape, assault and robbery. Four of those released had served as trustees in the governor’s mansion as part of a program for inmates who earned special privileges. However, Barbour may have violated the state constitution by granting pardons without giving sufficient notice. As a result Attorney General Jim Hood has blocked the release of 21 of those inmates. Daniel Cherry has been covering the story for MPB, Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.