Damascus, Beirut reach agreement on repatriation of Syrian prisoners from Lebanese jails Syria and Lebanon

Syria and Lebanon have reached an agreement on the repatriation of Syrian prisoners held in Lebanese prisons.

According to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision was made following the visit of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib to Damascus, as reported by Caliber.Az via a foreign media outlet.

"An agreement was reached on the return of all Syrian prisoners from Lebanese prisons, ensuring border security on both sides, and cooperation in the fight against drugs," the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a post on its official Telegram channel.

Additionally, the parties agreed to "form joint committees" at the political, military, and economic levels.

"We discussed with our brothers the importance of Syria's role in strengthening the positions of Arab countries and maintaining stability and security in the region," the statement emphasized.

On January 11, Mikati arrived in the Syrian capital by plane. This is the first official visit by the Lebanese Prime Minister to Damascus since 2010. He held talks with the head of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during which the two sides agreed on the prompt resolution of all border issues and the organization of the process for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.

Notably, Syrian nationals constitute a significant portion of Lebanon's prison population, with reports indicating that approximately 30% to 35% of detainees are Syrians. This high percentage is attributed to various factors, including the large number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the prevalence of crimes such as theft and drug-related offenses among detainees.

The overcrowding in Lebanese prisons has raised serious concerns about human rights and the treatment of detainees. Reports highlight that many detainees, including Syrians, are held without trial, with some awaiting legal proceedings for extended periods. This situation has prompted discussions between Lebanese authorities and the Syrian government regarding the repatriation of Syrian detainees to alleviate prison overcrowding.

Human rights organizations have documented instances of torture and ill-treatment of Syrian refugees detained on terrorism-related charges in Lebanon. Amnesty International's report, "I wish I would die," details cases where detainees were subjected to severe torture techniques, including beatings with metal sticks and electric cables, often leading to serious injuries. These practices have raised significant concerns about Lebanon's adherence to international human rights standards.

By Khagan Isayev