Beirut, Lebanon – The Lebanese government announced that it is working to expedite the processing of the cases of Syrian prisoners in Lebanese prisons. It affirmed its commitment to transferring as many of them as possible to Syrian authorities through a structured legal framework that safeguards the rights of all parties and adheres to local laws and applicable agreements.
Lebanese official sources confirmed that the move comes as part of efforts to alleviate pressure on overcrowded Lebanese prisons and address complex legal and humanitarian issues. They indicated that coordination with the Syrian side is being conducted through official channels and in a manner that ensures compliance with Lebanese laws and international standards.
The government emphasized that any transfer would be subject to a case-by-case review, taking into account the nature of the charges against the prisoners, as well as whether they had been sentenced or if the necessary legal procedures had been completed before their transfer. This would ensure a balance between the requirements of justice and humanitarian considerations.
This move comes amid mounting challenges facing Lebanon, including issues with prison infrastructure and economic and security burdens. This is prompting authorities to seek practical legal solutions for outstanding cases, including those of non-Lebanese prisoners.
