Alice Marie Johnson, an American great grandmother who was sentenced to life in prison for a first-time drug offense, has been granted clemency by US President Donald Trump.
Notably, the decision came after a meeting with Kim Kardashian, who has long been an advocate for the incarcerated 63-year-old.
In a statement, the White House said “Ms. Johnson has accepted responsibility for her past behavior and has been a model prisoner over the past two decades.”
Advocates for Johnson have long argued that her sentence should be commuted, owing to the non-violent nature of her crime – she was sentenced on charges of charges of attempted possession of drugs and money-laundering – and the fact she has maintained a spotless disciplinary record in federal prison.
Kardashian became a public figurehead of that campaign after discovering Johnson’s plight on social media, and last week met with Trump to discuss the matter.
Great meeting with @KimKardashian today, talked about prison reform and sentencing. pic.twitter.com/uOy4UJ41JF
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2018
In statements made after the White House announcement, Kardashian voiced her appreciation for the move, and said she was the one to deliver the news to Johnson.
So grateful to @realDonaldTrump, Jared Kushner & to everyone who has showed compassion & contributed countless hours to this important moment for Ms. Alice Marie Johnson. Her commutation is inspirational & gives hope to so many others who are also deserving of a second chance.
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) June 6, 2018
The phone call I just had with Alice will forever be one of my best memories. Telling her for the first time and hearing her screams while crying together is a moment I will never forget.
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) June 6, 2018
Johnson is one of several people to be granted high-profile acts of clemency by President Trump in recent months.
But it is unclear if such mercy will be extended to other inmates with similar cases, who do not have representation by Kim Kardashian.
“While this Administration will always be very tough on crime, it believes that those who have paid their debt to society and worked hard to better themselves while in prison deserve a second chance,” said the White House statement.
