Lebanon passes sweeping amnesty law after years of debate

Lebanon's parliament passed a controversial general amnesty law on Wednesday, a day after lawmakers voted to formally abolish the death penalty. The law, debated since 2019, replaces death sentences with long prison terms, reduces life sentences, and frees some convicted militants and drug dealers.

Deputy Speaker Elias Abu Saab said the law is based on general criteria, not tailored to individuals. "Some people will be released today, while others will not," he said. He added that those who believe they were unjustly convicted can seek retrials or appeals.

The amnesty excludes rape, trafficking, corruption, terror funding, and premeditated murder, but reduces sentences for killing Lebanese troops. Repeated drug offenders and those convicted of collaborating with Israel are excluded. Foreign prisoners, mainly Syrian Islamist militants, would be transferred to Lebanese intelligence for assessment.

The most contentious issue was the fate of extremist Islamist prisoners, including cleric Ahmad al-Assir, sentenced to death in 2017 over clashes that killed 18 soldiers. Sunni legislators largely celebrated the law, while critics say it is skewed to benefit Sunni Islamist prisoners.

Lawmakers from different sects made varied demands during debate: Sunnis sought release of Islamist militants, Shiites wanted drug dealers freed, and Christians pushed for amnesty for those who fled to Israel after the 2000 withdrawal. Videos on social media showed Islamist prisoners in Roumieh prison celebrating the law's passage.

The last similar amnesty was in 1991, which absolved combatants and militia leaders following the 1975-90 civil war that killed about 150,000 people.