The number of death penalties increased at an alarming rate in 2015. Lebanon, which is an abolitionist country, has chosen to revert to this practice in its fight against terrorism. This is very much in keeping with the other Middle East countries in the current geopolitical context.

Detention conditions in the prison facilities are very problematic. The cells are overcrowded, poorly ventilated and poorly lit. Drinking water is limited and medical care is lacking.

The prisoners have established their own internal hierarchy system with the tacit agreement of the authorities: a system that leads to discrimination and exploitation. These conditions lead to regular rioting, mainly in Roumieh, the country’s largest facility.

Lebanon, which is dealing with a massive influx of refugees, frequently resorts to administrative detention. The detention conditions for these people are not discussed in this report, which is limited to detainees in the prison system only.

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