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On Aug. 12, Lebanon’s parliament passed a general amnesty, the first since 1991. The law technically aims to address overcrowding in prisons. But, as with every policy debate in Lebanon, its stated aims exist alongside a second layer of sectarian politics. Seen in this light, the amnesty also reflects a subtle shift in the balance of power toward Lebanon’s Sunnis.

The concrete impact of the new law will be reducing prison terms for or releasing thousands of prisoners. Lebanon’s prisons are indeed overcrowded, with many inmates awaiting their trials for years. Now, death sentences will be commuted to life sentences, life sentences will be reduced to 17 prison years (one prison year is measured as nine months), and inmates detained for more than 12 prison years without charges will automatically be released.

On Aug. 12, Lebanon’s parliament passed a general amnesty, the first since 1991. The law technically aims to address overcrowding in prisons. But, as with every policy debate in Lebanon, its stated aims exist alongside a second layer of sectarian politics. Seen in this light, the amnesty also reflects a subtle shift in the balance of power toward Lebanon’s Sunnis.

The concrete impact of the new law will be reducing prison terms for or releasing thousands of prisoners. Lebanon’s prisons are indeed overcrowded, with many inmates awaiting their trials for years. Now, death sentences will be commuted to life sentences, life sentences will be reduced to 17 prison years (one prison year is measured as nine months), and inmates detained for more than 12 prison years without charges will automatically be released.

From the perspective of relieving overcrowding and preventing people from being held without due process, this legislation makes........

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