Attorney General
DOJ Backs Secrecy for Failed Pardon Requests
The Obama administration is apparently concerned about the agony of defeat for the 9,200 people whose pardon or commutation requests were denied by former President George W. Bush.
The Department of Justice argues that the names should be kept secret in a brief (PDF) filed Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Politico reports.
The DOJ says releasing a list of people who failed in their quest for clemency will “re-stigmatize the applicants,” harming their prospects for rehabilitation and “possibly subjecting them to the risk of retaliation.”
Those whose succeed in their requests are listed on the Justice Department’s website. President Obama has not yet issued a pardon or commutation.
