Lebanon’s parliament began a two-day legislative session on Wednesday to review and vote on over 40 draft bills, with particular focus on a proposed amnesty law and the abolition of the death penalty. The session marks the first parliamentary gathering since lawmakers postponed national elections by two years earlier this year amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The amnesty bill aims to address chronic overcrowding in Lebanese prisons by potentially granting clemency to a broad range of inmates. This initiative has been under discussion for several years but has repeatedly stalled due to political and sectarian disputes over which groups of prisoners should be eligible. Supporters argue that the measure could alleviate humanitarian issues in prisons, while critics remain concerned about the implications for justice and security.

Among those pushing for the amnesty are families from the Baalbek and Hermel regions in eastern Lebanon, who have long sought relief for relatives convicted of drug offenses and theft. In addition, relatives of individuals who fled to Israel following its 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon are requesting their family members be included in the amnesty, fearing retaliation from Hezbollah and its allies if they were to return.

Another significant item on the agenda is the proposal to abolish the death penalty, which has not been enforced in Lebanon since 2004. Abolition advocates emphasize that capital punishment is a barrier to extraditing criminals from countries that have outlawed the death penalty, limiting Lebanon's ability to cooperate internationally on law enforcement.

The legislative session follows a prolonged period of political gridlock exacerbated by regional conflicts and internal divisions. Observers note that passing these measures could signal a shift toward addressing longstanding legal and humanitarian challenges within Lebanon’s justice system, but outcomes remain uncertain given the complex political landscape.