World · 12 August 2026
Lebanon abolishes death penalty, first in Middle East to do so
Lebanon's parliament voted on Tuesday to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment and hard labour, a historic step for the country. The measure received support from most MPs in the 128-seat parliament, despite Hezbollah's bloc voting in opposition. The legislation now goes to the cabinet and President Joseph Aoun for signing, with over 78 people currently on death row.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs