Lebanon Parliament Approves General Amnesty Law

The Lebanese Parliament approved a general amnesty law on Wednesday. The legislation is intended to reduce the duration of certain prison sentences and is expected to benefit thousands of prisoners, detainees, and people wanted by the justice system. This marks the first law of its kind since 1991.

According to the office of the parliament speaker, the law will exceptionally reduce certain prison terms. One lawmaker, Imad al-Hout, stated that the law reduces sentences for those facing life imprisonment or death to 17 prison years, which equals 12 years and nine months of actual imprisonment. The law also calls for the release of inmates in ongoing trials who have been detained for more than 12 prison years without charges. This development follows the formal abolition of the death penalty by parliament one day prior.

Supporters of the law, including various political factions, argue that the measure is necessary to address prison overcrowding. The National Human Rights Commission reported a 300 percent overcrowding rate in its 2025 report. However, some family members of Lebanese soldiers and servicemen killed in attacks have expressed concern that perpetrators could receive undue leniency.

Different political groups sought the amnesty for various reasons. Some pushed for the release of prisoners linked to the Syrian civil war, while others, including the Iran-backed Hezbollah, sought amnesty for drug-related offenses and car theft. Christian parties advocated for the inclusion of families of those who joined an Israeli-backed group and fled to Israel after the year 2000.