Polity & Governance
Lebanon becomes first in the Middle East to abolish death penalty
What happened
Lebanon has officially abolished the death penalty, marking a historic first for the Middle East and North Africa region. The decision follows years of advocacy and legal reforms, signaling a shift in the country's approach to criminal justice. The move aligns with global trends toward reducing reliance on capital punishment.
Key facts
Lebanon's parliament voted to abolish the death penalty on August 11, 2026, making it the first country in the Middle East to do so.
The decision was passed with a majority vote in the Lebanese Parliament, following years of debate and advocacy by human rights groups.
The move was supported by Amnesty International and other international organizations, which have long campaigned against capital punishment.
Lebanon joins a growing list of countries worldwide that have either abolished or significantly restricted the use of the death penalty in recent years.
Context
The death penalty has been a contentious issue in Lebanon, with executions rarely carried out in recent decades despite its legal status. The Middle East and North Africa region has historically been one of the few global regions where the death penalty remains widely practiced. Lebanon's legal system includes the death penalty for crimes such as murder, treason, and terrorism under its penal code.