EU congratulates Lebanon for 'setting an example' in the region by abolishing the death penalty

The European Union has lauded Lebanon for its "historic decision" to abolish the death penalty, hailing the move as a significant step forward for human rights and a powerful example for the Middle East. The bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, issued a statement on behalf of the 27 member states, commending Lebanon for becoming the first country in the region to eliminate capital punishment.

Kallas highlighted that the abolition of the death penalty for all crimes, with retroactive application, reinforces Lebanon's commitment to the right to life. This legislative change builds upon a de facto moratorium on executions that has been in place in Lebanon since 2004. The EU sees this as a crucial development that aligns with the global trend toward abolition and strengthens international support for ending capital punishment worldwide.

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The European Union congratulates Lebanon on the adoption of the law repealing the death penalty, announced at the IX World Congress against the Death Penalty held in Paris on June 30. This historic legislation represents a significant step forward for human rights in the country.

"As the first country in the region to abolish the death penalty, Lebanon is setting a powerful example for other countries in the Middle East and beyond," Kallas stated. She urged all nations that still retain the death penalty to abolish it, or at least implement a moratorium on executions as an initial step. The EU also called on countries considering reintroducing capital punishment to refrain from such a "retrograde step."

The EU expressed confidence in continuing its close cooperation with Lebanon on promoting human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. The bloc reiterated its firm support for Lebanon's reform agenda and its dedication to protecting its citizens. The Lebanese parliament approved the bill to abolish the death penalty, ending the possibility of death sentences after more than two decades without executions. Crimes committed before the law's enactment will be punishable by life imprisonment, while subsequent offenses will face aggravated life sentences.

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As the first country in the region to abolish the death penalty, Lebanon is setting a powerful example for other countries in the Middle East and beyond, reinforcing the strong global trend towards abolition and growing international support to end the death penalty worldwide.