Lebanon's parliament approves abolition of death penalty

ANWAR AMRO / AFP [lebanon parliament building]

Lebanon's parliament on Tuesday abolished the death penalty and replaced all existing death sentences with life imprisonment, the speaker's office said in a statement.

The move formally ends capital punishment, after maintaining a de facto moratorium on executions since 2004, although dozens of people had remained technically on death row.

Crimes that were punishable with a death sentence included murder and treason.

Last year, Lebanese lawmakers submitted a law to abolish capital punishment. Parliament's statement on Tuesday did not include a vote count.

The European Union welcomed the move, saying Lebanon was setting "a powerful example for other countries" in the Middle East and beyond.

Lebanon's parliament is separately discussing legislation on a general amnesty for some crimes, partly as a way to relieve overcrowding in prisons.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Music Mix

    11:00pm - 6:00am

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!