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Roumieh prison inmates hold hunger strike over amnesty law suspension
Approximately 400 inmates at Lebanon’s Roumieh Central Prison are conducting an open-ended hunger strike, refusing food, water, and medication. The protest, which has lasted over 17 days, is a response to the suspension of a general amnesty law that was intended to reduce sentences and address prison overcrowding.
Legal campaigner and director of the Prisoners’ Rights Center, Mohammed Sablouh, described the medical situation as ‘dire,’ noting that ambulances are frequently required to transport inmates to hospitals. Reports indicate that 46 prisoners are currently in critical condition, and five deaths have been recorded within the last 30 days.
The crisis is exacerbated by severe overcrowding; Lebanon’s prison population of roughly 8,500 is nearly double the system's capacity. In response to concerns that inmates are being improperly charged with terrorism, the Free Patriotic Movement has filed an appeal with the Constitutional Council, with a verdict expected next month.
Entities
ACHR · Constitutional Council · Free Patriotic Movement · Lebanese Prison Rights Observatory · Lebanese Prisoners’ Rights Center · Mohammed Sablouh · Roumieh Central Prison
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The hunger strike is a protest against the suspension of a general amnesty law. halabtodaytv.net · antiguatribune.com · independentpress.cc
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Free Patriotic Movement filed an appeal with the Constitutional Council regarding terrorism charges against inmates. antiguatribune.com · independentpress.cc
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mohammed Sablouh reported that the medical condition of dozens of inmates in Lebanon’s largest prison has become dire. antiguatribune.com · independentpress.cc
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of critical health cases among striking prisoners has risen to 46. halabtodaytv.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lebanon’s prison population is approximately 8,500, which is nearly double the facility capacity. antiguatribune.com · independentpress.cc
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Five deaths have been recorded among prisoners within a 30-day period. halabtodaytv.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 400 prisoners at Roumieh prison are participating in a hunger strike. halabtodaytv.net · antiguatribune.com · independentpress.cc