LEBANON REVIEWS DEATH PENALTY FOR 84 PRISONERS

January 21, 2026:

Lebanon is facing a critical debate over the death penalty, as 84 prisoners remain under sentences frozen for decades. The issue resurfaced after Bulgaria refused to extradite the owner of the ship Rhosus, which carried the ammonium nitrate to Beirut port. The refusal cited Lebanon’s retention of the death penalty, despite executions being suspended since 2004.
The Lebanese Association for Civil Rights says the timing is right. On January 17, 2026, exactly 22 years after the last execution, it will launch a campaign to pass a law abolishing the death penalty. The proposal was prepared by the association and backed by seven MPs. The draft would eliminate the death penalty in all cases and allows lawmakers to discuss the details.
Campaign founder Ogarit Younan described the political climate as favorable. She cited the government’s legal opinion supporting the proposal. Lebanon has not carried out executions for 22 years, reflecting a political choice to halt enforcement. Since 2020, Lebanon has voted at the United Nations to freeze executions. The Ministries of Justice and Social Affairs also issued opinions backing the draft.
Surveys of MPs reveal divisions: some oppose the death penalty entirely, some support abolition with exceptions, and others favor executions. In 2009, 68% of MPs supported abolition, close to 74% in 2001. Despite this, seven previous bills failed. Younan said public support for executions pressures parliamentary blocs, especially during elections. Opposition often comes from religious rigidity or strict retribution for crimes seen as unforgivable.
Some MPs argue that certain crimes should remain exempt. Younan noted exceptions could be discussed in committee, as in countries that exclude treason or offenses against children.
The death penalty is mentioned in 43 legal provisions. Before 2001, killers were executed under Law 302 of 1994, regardless of circumstances; the law was later repealed.
Support for executions is fueled by anger over murder, child rape, and collaboration with Israel. Many believe perpetrators deserve no forgiveness. Prison is seen as ineffective or as a shelter for the poor and a reward for the powerful.
Studies across 110 countries show no link between executions and crime deterrence. A 1980 study by Bowers and Pierce on New York crime from 1907 to 1963 recorded an average of two crimes per month after each execution. It concluded that the death penalty can encourage imitation of state violence.
Lebanon’s experience confirms this. 14 people were executed between 1994 and 1998 after the civil war. Crime rates did not decline. The campaign sums it up: two crimes do not make justice.
Execution is killing, regardless of authority. Legalizing it turns the law into a tool of public violence. It also violates the right to life protected by the constitution and international conventions. Executions leave no room to correct judicial errors. Courts are fallible. In the last public execution in Tabarja in 1998, one man was later proven innocent. Poverty and lack of legal defense contributed. Other cases involved confessions under torture.
In total, 51 men were executed in Lebanon. Women were sentenced but not executed. 35 were hanged and 16 were shot. 40 were Lebanese and 11 held other nationalities. Crimes included poverty-related offenses, rape, revenge, sectarian motives, and political causes.