Lebanon’s parliament officially voted to abolish the death penalty on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. This landmark decision makes Lebanon the first country in the Middle East to completely eliminate capital punishment. Justice Minister Adel Nassar hailed the vote as a “historic” moment for the nation. Lebanon has not carried out an execution since 2004, effectively observing a moratorium. The abolition reflects a growing trend toward human rights and legal reform within the country. This move is expected to set a precedent for other nations in the region grappling with similar debates. The decision was met with praise from international human rights organizations.