BEIRUT — Lebanon is preparing for its largest amnesty since the end of its civil war in 1990. The draft amnesty law would free over 3,000 of nearly 8,600 detainees.
Lawmakers are proceeding with the amnesty law due to overcrowding in jails. The proposed legislation would replace death sentences and reduce life sentences, leading to the eventual release of convicted militants and drug dealers. It excludes crimes such as rape, human trafficking, corruption, funding acts of terrorism, and premeditated murder.
Families of fallen soldiers recently placed empty military boots outside the parliament building in Beirut to protest the amnesty. Convicts who killed Lebanese troops could see their prison terms reduced under the proposed legislation. Eighteen military members were killed in 2013 clashes in Sidon, including army first lieutenant George Bou Saab.
Cleric Ahmed al-Assir has served 11 years under a death sentence. If the amnesty law passes, his death sentence would be commuted to 10 additional years in prison. Amal Shamseddine, wife of Ahmed al-Assir, said, "He is being executed slowly." Shamseddine added, "Had there been justice in our country, they would have been released and gone home long time ago."
During the drafting process, Sunni lawmakers requested the release of Islamist prisoners, while Shiite lawmakers requested the release of drug dealers from the Baalbek region. Christian legislators requested amnesty for Lebanese citizens who fled to Israel after Israeli forces withdrew in 2000. Nabil Badr, a lawmaker, said, "The draft law has entered the road of political bargains."
Maryam Younnes fled to Israel with her family in 2000. Her father served as a South Lebanon Army commander. Younnes said, "I am confident the situation will change and I want to return to my country." She added, "We will return once Lebanon is cleared of Hezbollah, illegal weapons, and once there is peace between Lebanon and Israel."