Lebanon abolishes death penalty in Middle East first

Lebanon has become the first country in the Middle East to abolish the death penalty, with the parliament voting to end the practice on Tuesday, August 11. Since 2004, no executions have taken place in Lebanon, though sentences were still being handed down, with at least 85 people on death row by January. The most serious crimes were typically punished by death, including murder, terrorism, and espionage.

Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the abolition "historic," noting that the prospect of capital punishment had previously hindered Lebanon's ability to obtain the extradition of suspects from countries where it is outlawed. The United Nations and the European Union praised Lebanon's decision, with the UN's Volker Turk urging neighboring countries to follow Lebanon's example in ending the inhumane practice.

Activists and rights groups have campaigned for years to achieve this change, and Lebanon must now ensure all death sentences are commuted and ratify the international treaty on abolition to fully implement the law.