Lebanon Becomes First Arab Nation to Abolish Death Penalty Amid Sweeping Legislative Reforms

In a landmark parliamentary session, Lebanon has voted to end capital punishment and approved a major amnesty bill, despite opposition from Hezbollah and the FPM.

BEIRUT — In a historic shift for the region, the Lebanese Parliament has voted to abolish the death penalty, making Lebanon the first Arab country to officially remove capital punishment from its judicial system. The landmark decision was part of a major legislative push that also saw the passage of a sweeping general amnesty bill. Lawmakers signaled that the amnesty measures are intended to alleviate severe overcrowding within the nation’s prison facilities, granting relief to a wide range of inmates. Notably, the legislation includes provisions allowing for the return of former South Leb…