Lebanese Constitutional Council suspends general amnesty law

The Lebanese Constitutional Council has suspended the implementation of Law No. 70/2026, which grants a general amnesty and provides for exceptional reductions in certain criminal sentences. The suspension is a precautionary measure taken while the Council reviews a legal challenge against the law, with a final decision expected in approximately 35 days. Legal experts suggest the suspension stems from potential constitutional flaws, specifically regarding the methodology used to define the scope of the amnesty and the list of excluded crimes.

Legal debate continues regarding the impact of the law on banking-related crimes. While some interpretations suggest the amnesty might halt criminal prosecutions initiated by depositors against banks for fraud or embezzlement, constitutional experts argue that crimes related to money laundering and violations of the Code of Money and Credit are explicitly excluded from the amnesty.

There is further contention regarding the legal classification of offenses. While certain crimes are strictly excluded from amnesty, others might fall under the general amnesty if their legal description does not match the specific list of exceptions. Additionally, the law provides for a one-third reduction in sentences for those convicted of crimes that are excluded from the amnesty.