Lebanon passes a controversial general amnesty law

Lebanon's parliament passed a controversial general amnesty law on Wednesday, just a day after the death penalty was officially abolished. Lawmakers who supported the bill argue it is a step towards correcting past judicial and security agency overreach, and alleviate prison overcrowding. However, critics claim the law is biased and mainly benefits Sunni Islamist prisoners.

The proposal, debated since 2019, has highlighted sectarian tensions among Lebanon's diverse Islamic and Christian sects. The last general amnesty was granted in 1991, when most combatants and militia leaders were absolved of war crimes and atrocities during the 1975-90 civil war that claimed around 150,000 lives.

This new law replaces death sentences with lengthy prison terms, shortens life sentences, and releases some prisoners convicted of terrorism and drug offenses. It excludes crimes such as rape, trafficking, corruption, terror funding, and premeditated murder, but reduces sentences for killing Lebanese military personnel. Some detainees will be freed immediately, while repeated drug offenders and those convicted of collaborating with Israel were not included in the amnesty.

The fate of extremist Islamist prisoners, including prominent cleric Ahmad al-Assir, remains uncertain. Al-Assir, who gained support for his criticism of Hezbollah's involvement in Syria, was sentenced to death in 2017. His release could occur within a year and a half to two years, according to Sunni lawmaker Waddah Sadek.

Supporters of the law celebrated its passage, with Sunni representative Bilal Abdullah stating that the amnesty is not solely benefiting one sect, but rather a step to address unjust convictions. However, critics, including civil society groups and reformists, argue that justice is achieved through accountability and building institutions, rather than a blanket amnesty.