Lebanese amnesty law approved: "Those who found refuge in Israel are eligible to return"
The parliament in Beirut approved a general amnesty bill intended to release thousands of prisoners and ease overcrowding in prisons. Following the approval of the law, Member of Parliament Ghada Ayoub clarified that Lebanese who fled to Israel will be able to return to their country. The move sparked protests in the country due to fears regarding the release of those who killed security personnel.
The Lebanese parliament approved today (Wednesday) a general amnesty law that may lead to the release of thousands of prisoners. Following the approval, Member of Parliament Ghada Ayoub declared that Lebanese citizens who found refuge in Israel are eligible to return to the country, provided they did not take part in military activity.
The approved bill promotes granting amnesty and reducing sentences in exceptional cases. The approval comes after months of prolonged debates in the Lebanese political system surrounding the identity of the prisoners who will be released. Families of security personnel killed in exchanges of fire led a protest against the move, warning that the law will lead to the pardoning of those who killed their sons.
The law was pushed by members of parliament from the Sunni community, against the backdrop of the increase in the number of detainees and the poor conditions in Lebanese prisons. In practice, the law is intended to alleviate overcrowding in detention facilities and release detainees who have been waiting for trial for years.
With the passing of the law, Member of Parliament Ayoub addressed its implications for Lebanese citizens who left the country:
"Anyone who found refuge in Israel and did not participate in military actions has the right to return to Lebanon under the general amnesty law."
