Brussels – Lebanon has abolished the death penalty, becoming the first country in the Middle East to adopt a law that eliminates capital punishment for all offences, replacing it with life imprisonment with hard labour. A decision welcomed by the European Union, which is seen as a significant step forward in the protection of human rights and a signal to the entire region. The law was approved by a majority of the 128 members of the Lebanese Parliament, with the exception of the Hezbollah parliamentary bloc. Since January 2004, the country had observed a de facto moratorium on executions, without, however, having formally abolished the death penalty. Since then, dozens of death sentences had nevertheless been handed down, subsequently suspended or commuted.
“Lebanon is regaining its pioneering role in the region as a defender of human rights,” said Justice Minister Adel Nassar, emphasising that, with the abolition of the death penalty, the country “has chosen to combat murder rather than resort to capital punishment.” Nassar also rejected the idea that the new law represents a form of leniency towards criminals: “Deprivation of liberty is not leniency.”
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, congratulated Beirut, describing the abolition as “a historic achievement” and a “significant step forward for human rights in the country.” She emphasised that the decision follows on from the de facto moratorium on executions that Lebanon has maintained since 2004 and confirms Beirut’s commitment to “respecting, protecting, and guaranteeing the right to life.” For Brussels, however, the significance of this decision extends beyond Lebanon’s borders. “As the first country in the region to abolish the death penalty, Lebanon is setting a powerful example for other countries in the Middle East and beyond,” said Kallas, highlighting the growing global trend towards the abolition of capital punishment.
The EU has therefore renewed its call on all states that still apply the death penalty to abolish it and, in the meantime, to introduce a moratorium on executions. These states include its neighbour, Israel, which, on 30 March, passed a law stipulating the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians accused of terrorism. This call also applies to countries that are considering reintroducing the death penalty, which Brussels has urged to avoid “a step backwards.” Finally, Kallas reaffirmed Europe’s support for the Lebanese authorities’ reform process and the EU’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Beirut on the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
