Story perspectives

Lebanon approves first amnesty law since 1991

8/12/2026

Summary

Lebanon Parliament Approves Amnesty

Lebanon's parliament approved an amnesty law on Wednesday, the first since 1991.
It reduces death and life terms to 17 years, frees detainees held over 12 years, and cuts sentences by a third.
Murder, rape, trafficking, corruption, terror financing, Israel collaboration and drug offenses are excluded.
Hezbollah MPs and others sought releases, while families of slain soldiers protested.
MPs walked out when Defence Minister Michel Menassa was barred from speaking.

Summary

Salam Urges Amnesty

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam posted on X praising the death-penalty abolition and urging the amnesty law’s passage.
He said only he may convey the government’s position, blocking Defence Minister Michel Mansy’s speech.
Speaker Nabih Berri reconvened the chamber, urging MPs to resume debate on the remaining drafts.
MP Suleiman Aoun of the Strong Lebanon bloc claimed the amnesty bill does not originate from the government, questioning its legitimacy.

History

Historical Context

Negotiated by Speaker Hussein El-Husseini and ratified on 5 November 1989, the Taif Agreement ended Lebanon’s 15-year civil war, equalized Christian-Muslim parliamentary seats and reduced presidential power. In 1991 it authorized an amnesty freeing about 1,200 detainees. The 2024 parliamentary debate, led by Speaker Nabih Berri and Hezbollah MPs, revisits that amnesty’s contested legacy.

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Lebanon Parliament Approves Amnesty

Lebanon's parliament approved an amnesty law on Wednesday, the first since 1991.
It reduces death and life terms to 17 years, frees detainees held over 12 years, and cuts sentences by a third.
Murder, rape, trafficking, corruption, terror financing, Israel collaboration and drug offenses are excluded.
Hezbollah MPs and others sought releases, while families of slain soldiers protested.
MPs walked out when Defence Minister Michel Menassa was barred from speaking.

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