Beirut: Lebanon’s parliament on Wednesday, August 12, passed a controversial general amnesty law, a day after a majority of legislators voted to formally abolish the death penalty. The new law replaces death sentences with long prison terms, reduces life sentences, and frees some convicted militants and drug dealers. However, the most controversial point in the yearslong debate was the fate of extremist Islamist prisoners, including firebrand cleric Ahmad al-Assir. Bilal Abdullah, who represents the Druze-led Progressive Socialist Party, said the amnesty law is not intended to benefit just one sect. Videos circulating on social media showed Islamist prisoners in the notorious Roumieh prison chanting “God is great” in celebration once the law was approved.