Lebanon Becomes First in Middle East to Abolish Death Penalty

Lebanon has become the first country in the Middle East to abolish the death penalty, marking a major shift in its criminal-justice system. The move reflects growing domestic and international pressure to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment or other sentences. Rights groups welcomed the decision, saying it brings Lebanon in line with broader global human-rights standards. Officials indicated the change will require updates to sentencing laws and procedures, but the overall direction is toward ending executions permanently.