The fate of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon

Lebanon and Syria have recently made tangible progress in negotiations over the status and repatriation of Syrian prisoners held in Lebanese prisons.

After months of delays and tense exchanges, officials from both countries have entered structured judicial discussions aimed at reaching an agreement that balances legal frameworks with the interests of both states. This development reflects a cautious but serious attempt to resolve a sensitive issue affecting thousands of detainees.

Judicial talks advance

The Lebanese and Syrian judicial committees recently held an extensive meeting at Beirut’s Grand Serail, focused on drafting a formal agreement governing the transfer of convicted prisoners. According to sources familiar with the talks, the atmosphere was cooperative, with both sides seeking to overcome obstacles that had emerged during previous discussions in Damascus on December 10, 2025. Officials described the dialogue as flexible, avoiding rigid positions and prioritizing practical solutions for implementation.

During the meeting, the Syrian delegation presented detailed legal and procedural observations on the draft agreement. Lebanese authorities agreed to incorporate around 70 percent of these recommendations, signaling a willingness to accommodate concerns while preserving Lebanese sovereignty and judicial authority two key principles previously outlined by Justice Minister Adel Nassar.

The agreement is expected to cover approximately 370 Syrian convicts out of around 750 currently held in Lebanon. Many of the remaining prisoners are nearing the end of their sentences or have terms of less than five years, allowing their release under Lebanese law in the near future.

Addressing Pre-Trial Detainees

While the current negotiations focus on convicted prisoners, the issue of pre-trial detainees — estimated at around 1,650 Syrians will be handled separately.

Lebanese authorities have stressed that a parliamentary law is required to regulate this process, ensuring that constitutional and legal principles are respected. Existing legal provisions, including Article 108 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, require the release of detainees after specified periods if trials have not begun, a provision that applies to Syrians and Lebanese alike.

Challenges and reforms

The repatriation talks have also brought long-standing problems within Lebanon’s detention system to the surface. Human rights organizations have criticized the use of military courts for civilian terrorism cases, as well as prolonged pre-trial detention, inadequate food, and poor sanitary conditions. In response, Lebanon has introduced reforms aimed at accelerating the release of individuals held without sufficient legal basis.

Since September 2025, 109 Syrian detainees including 22 political prisoners have been released, easing overcrowding in prisons where Syrians make up roughly 30 percent of the inmate population.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain. Some detainees face charges linked to past security incidents, making their release both politically and legally sensitive. Lebanon has also proposed that any retrials or resentencing following transfer would require its approval, a condition that has generated friction during negotiations. Both sides continue to work toward a solution that addresses these concerns while preserving legal integrity.

Toward a framework for cooperation

The latest round of judicial talks represents a constructive step in resolving a complex bilateral issue. Officials in Beirut are expected to brief senior government figures, including the president, prime minister, and minister of justice, on the progress achieved and the remaining points of contention.

If successfully implemented, the agreement could facilitate the return of Syrian convicts and establish a framework for broader judicial and security cooperation between the two countries.

Lebanon and Syria appear to be moving toward a mutually acceptable arrangement for the repatriation of Syrian prisoners. By combining legal safeguards, practical reforms, and sustained dialogue, both governments are laying the groundwork for a resolution that addresses humanitarian concerns while respecting sovereignty and judicial authority. While challenges remain, the current trajectory points to cautious optimism for detainees, their families, and regional stability.