Lebanon has abolished the death penalty

“Thus, Lebanon has become the first state in the Middle East to officially abandon this extreme punishment,” reports France-Presse.

The last time the death penalty was used in Lebanon was in 2004.

“This is a historical event. The presence of the death penalty in the Lebanese Criminal Code previously prevented the extradition of persons wanted by Beirut from countries where this penalty is prohibited,” said Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar.