Lebanon defense minister apologizes to families of fallen soldiers over controversial amnesty law

Defense Minister Michel Menassa offered a "profound regret" to the families of fallen soldiers, stating he felt he had "let you down" as political forces united against the army. His apology came after parliament passed a sweeping amnesty law that significantly reduces sentences for various crimes, including those that could lead to the early release of militant cleric Ahmad al-Assir.

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I apologize to the families of our martyrs; today, I feel I have let you down.

Al-Assir, who was sentenced to death in 2017 for his role in clashes that killed 18 Lebanese soldiers in 2013, could be released within two years, according to lawmaker Waddah Sadek. The law replaces death sentences with long prison terms and reduces life sentences, largely benefiting Sunni Islamist prisoners. The bill's passage was contentious, with Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah MPs leaving the session after Menassa was denied a chance to speak. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reportedly warned Menassa against confronting the Sunni community by opposing the bill.

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I apologize because I witnessed how political voices united to drown out the voice of the Army, and how positions aligned precisely when the military needed protection rather than siege.

Families of soldiers and servicemen killed or attacked by Islamist militants have protested the law, expressing dismay at reduced sentences for those responsible for their loved ones' deaths. In contrast, Sunni legislators largely welcomed the amnesty. Bilal Abdallah, representing the Progressive Socialist Party, stated the law aims to move past a political era where Sunnis felt targeted by the regime, security agencies, and the military tribunal.

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al-Assir could be released "between a year and a half and two years."