Key facts
- Lebanon's parliament abolished the death penalty.
- All existing death sentences were converted to life imprisonment.
- Lebanon is the first Middle Eastern country to formally end capital punishment.
Lebanon abolishes death penalty
IN SHORT
Lebanon's parliament has abolished the death penalty, replacing all existing death sentences with life imprisonment. This move makes Lebanon the first country in the Middle East to formally end capital punishment, following a de facto moratorium on executions since 2004.
Key Numbers
2004year of de facto moratorium on executions
Who's Involved
Lebanon
first Middle Eastern country to formally end capital punishment
Lebanon's parliament
abolished the death penalty and replaced death sentences
European Union
welcomed the move as a powerful example
Amnesty International
stated the decision upholds the right to life
Hebe Morayef
Amnesty International's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa
↳ Why This Matters
Lebanon's abolition of the death penalty marks a significant human rights advancement in the Middle East and aligns the country with a global trend toward ending capital punishment.