**Title: ‘Dire Situation’: Lebanese Prisoners on Hunger Strike for 18 Days**
**By Saad Abedine**
Lebanon's largest prison, Roumieh, is currently facing a critical situation as approximately 400 inmates have been on a hunger strike for over two weeks. The protest, which began on September 12, is a response to the suspension of a general amnesty law that could have led to the immediate release or reduced sentences for many prisoners.
According to Mohammed Sablouh, a Lebanese lawyer and director of the Prisoners’ Rights Center at the Tripoli Bar Association, the medical condition of the striking inmates has deteriorated significantly. “Ambulances enter daily to take [dozens of] them away because their condition is dire,” Sablouh reported. The prisoners are refusing food, water, and medication, which has raised alarm about their health and well-being.
The hunger strike is not just an isolated event; it reflects broader discontent among inmates regarding the Lebanese judicial system and prison conditions. Many of those participating in the strike were arrested for their support of the Syrian revolution against President Bashar al-Assad, which has been ongoing since 2011. The political implications of their detainment have led to protests in various cities, including Lebanon's second-largest city, Tripoli, where demonstrators have rallied against the suspension of the amnesty law.
The general amnesty law, passed on August 12, aimed to alleviate the severe overcrowding in Lebanese prisons, which currently house about 8,500 inmates—nearly double their intended capacity. Sablouh highlighted the alarming state of prison conditions, stating, “Prison overcrowding exceeds 330 percent of the facilities’ actual capacity.” He emphasized that the situation is tragic and cannot endure any further shocks, including the overturning of the amnesty law.
The legal landscape surrounding the prisoners is complex. The Free Patriotic Movement, one of Lebanon's major political parties, has filed an appeal with the Constitutional Council, expressing concerns that some inmates have been charged with “terrorism.” The council is expected to deliver its verdict next month, which could have significant implications for the hunger strikers.
Over the past few years, the conditions in Lebanese prisons have been scrutinized, with reports indicating that more than 40 prisoners died in 2025 alone. Causes of death included medical neglect, torture, and suicide, often linked to prolonged trials and repeated delays in the judicial process. Sablouh pointed out that many inmates are held for minor offenses, exacerbated by judicial inefficiencies that violate legal provisions regarding pre-trial detention. Article 108 of the Code of Criminal Procedure stipulates limits on pre-trial detention, yet these guidelines are frequently overlooked.
The hunger strike has drawn attention to the urgent need for reform in Lebanon's penal system and the treatment of its inmates. As the situation develops, the health of the prisoners remains a pressing concern, and the outcome of the hunger strike may influence future discussions regarding prison reform and the judicial process in Lebanon.