Obama frees dozens of drug offenders

US President Barack Obama has commuted the prison sentences of 46 drug offenders as part of a renewed effort to reform the criminal justice system.  

In a video announcement, he said the prisoners were not "hardened criminals" and had been given sentences that did not fit their crimes.  

He said it is part of a wider effort to restore a sense of fairness in a nation of second chances.  

Mr Obama is due to unveil plans for criminal justice reforms today. 

The 46 prisoners, 14 of whom are serving life sentences, are scheduled to be released on November 10.

BBC