Syrian govt to transfer over 120 inmates from Lebanese prisons

Syrian govt to transfer over 120 inmates from Lebanese prisons
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Authorities in Damascus announced a plan to transfer 128 Syrian nationals from Lebanese prisons as part of judicial coordination between the neighboring countries.

Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Al-Wais said the move follows a legal agreement between Syria and Lebanon signed in Beirut last February, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.

In March, Syrian and Lebanese authorities coordinated the transfer of a first group of 136 Syrian prisoners held in Roumieh Prison and other detention facilities.

An estimated 2,000 Syrian nationals are serving terms in Lebanese prisons. Most were convicted in criminal and security cases. A total of 300 will be transferred to Syria, according to the agreement.

Roumieh is the largest prison in Lebanon and experienced numerous riots between 2011 and 2015 due to overcrowding.

As of September 2025, almost 150 Syrian nationals were incarcerated and awaiting judgment in Roumieh. Most were arrested between 2011 and 2017, according to a Prison Insider report. One of the detainees died by suicide in 2025 after being held for more than two years without a sentence.