Lebanese Parliament Abolishes Death Penalty Amid Hezbollah Opposition

The Lebanese Parliament passed a historic law abolishing the death penalty in Lebanon, replacing it with life imprisonment accompanied by hard labor. The vote took place in Beirut despite Hezbollah's continued presence and opposition within the parliament. Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar, present during the vote, hailed the decision as a "historic step" for the country.

International human rights organizations warmly welcomed the legislation. Heba Morayef, Middle East and Africa director at Amnesty International, called it a "significant milestone and victory for human rights," noting that Lebanon moves from a de facto moratorium on executions to a legal protection of the right to life. Human Rights Watch Lebanon researcher Ramzi Kays emphasized that Lebanon should take a further step to completely break from this cruel practice.

Although Lebanon had not carried out executions since 2004, courts continued to sentence 85 inmates to death before the law's approval. Hezbollah lawmakers were the sole parliamentary faction opposing the bill, leading to tense confrontations and their walkout during the vote.

French Foreign Minister praised Lebanon as the first Middle Eastern country to abolish the death penalty, calling the parliamentary vote "historic and courageous." He highlighted Lebanon's unique voice in the region and its commitment to democratic values despite ongoing challenges. While Israel retains the death penalty in law, it has not been implemented in practice.

This legislative change marks a significant human rights advancement in Lebanon, aligning it with global trends toward ending capital punishment. The move also underscores Lebanon's complex political landscape, where Hezbollah remains influential despite reforms.