Lebanon's first general amnesty since 1991 takes effect, but not for theft of public money

Lebanon's general amnesty law, the first since 1991, came into force after it was published in the Official Gazette on 15 October. On 12 October the Constitutional Council unanimously rejected a challenge filed by the Free Patriotic Movement's bloc, while asking for clarification of several corruption provisions, Arab News reported.

The law covers specified offences committed before 1 March 2026. It excludes premeditated murder, terrorism, treason, dealings with Israel, rape, human trafficking and domestic violence, and, importantly, crimes against public funds, money laundering, illicit enrichment and banking crimes. Death sentences are commuted to 28 years and other sentences reduced.

One lawyer told Arab News up to 4,000 prisoners and detainees could benefit. Lebanon's prisons held about 6,268 inmates in March, and a hunger strike over the law involved more than 600 inmates; seven detainees died during it, according to the same report.

Among the first released was TikTok creator Georges Dib, known as "Doctor Food", whose drug case was dropped by the Mount Lebanon Criminal Court, AFP and Gulf News reported. His lawyer has always denied the charges.

Mercy for prisoners must never become mercy for those who looted the state. Keeping public-funds crimes outside the amnesty is a line that must hold.