Lebanon passes long-sought amnesty law, a day after death penalty repeal

The legislation will ‘exceptionally’ reduce certain prison terms, says Lebanon’s parliament speaker.Published On 12 Aug 202612 Aug 2026Lebanon’s parliament has approved a general amnesty law that is expected to benefit thousands of convicted prisoners, detainees and wanted people.The legislation passed Wednesday in a “show-of-hands vote”, reported Lebanon’s official National News Agency. It is the first law of its kind since 1991.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Lebanon ‘files new lawsuit against’ ex-central bank chief Riad Salamehlist 2 of 3Bashar al-Assad, Atef Najib sentenced to death in landmark Syria triallist 3 of 3Lebanese soldiers injured while Israeli troops intrude on southern townend of listThe office of the country’s parliament speaker said the law would “exceptionally” reduce certain prison terms.Long demanded by numerous Lebanese political factions, the amnesty law aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons, where many inmates await trial for years.However, it has faced backlash from some family members of Lebanese soldiers and servicemen killed in attacks, who fear the perpetrators could receive undue leniency.Lebanese authorities did not immediately announc...