'It looks a bit strange': World reacts after Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter

Former Labor minister Graham Richardson says it "looks a bit strange" after US President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden after he pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. "I think it looks a bit strange but what are you going to do – it's your son," Mr Richardson told Sky News Australia. "And you only get the one chance now because he's about to leave office." The outgoing leader of the free world made the announcement through a White House statement, saying he did not want to impede the Justice Department's decision-making, but it was "clear" his son was "treated differently". "From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," the 81-year-old said on Sunday night (local time). "Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. "Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently." President Biden and the White House had previously repeatedly ruled out pardoning his 54-year-old son who he spent time with in Massachusetts over Thanksgiving.