Lebanon’s parliament on Wednesday approved a long-awaited general amnesty law expected to benefit thousands of prisoners and wanted individuals, marking the first legislation of its kind in the country since 1991.
The parliament speaker’s office announced the approval of a bill granting a general amnesty while exceptionally reducing certain prison sentences.
The legislation has been the subject of political debate for years, with several political factions repeatedly calling for its adoption. Supporters say the law will help ease severe overcrowding in Lebanese prisons and address the cases of detainees who have spent years in custody without trial.
The number of people who will ultimately benefit from the amnesty has not yet been officially announced.
