Lebanon’s parliament has approved a general amnesty law that is expected to benefit thousands of convicted prisoners, detainees and wanted people. The office of the country’s parliament speaker said the law would “exceptionally” reduce certain prison terms. Long demanded by numerous Lebanese political factions, the amnesty law aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons, where many inmates await trial for years. Lebanese authorities did not immediately announce the number of people who would be freed or receive reduced sentences under the law, which comes a day after Lebanon’s parliament also formally abolished the death penalty. Deputy Walid Baarini praised the “long-awaited passage” of the amnesty law and expressed hope it would mark “a new chapter” that brings justice “to those who deserve it”.