Al Jazeera – Several detainees in Lebanese prisons have maintained a hunger strike for 18 consecutive days, describing their situation as "dire" and urging authorities to address what they say are deteriorating living conditions. The protest began in early September and has continued despite limited access to medical care and growing concerns over the inmates' health.
According to the report, the prisoners have highlighted issues such as overcrowding, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient sanitation within the facilities. They claim that these factors have contributed to a heightened risk of disease and have exacerbated the overall hardship of confinement. The detainees have called for an independent review of prison management and for immediate improvements to basic services.
Lebanese officials have responded by acknowledging the strike but have not provided detailed information on any forthcoming measures. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice indicated that authorities are monitoring the health of the striking inmates and that medical personnel are conducting regular checks. No official statement has been released regarding any planned reforms or negotiations with the prisoners.
Human‑rights organisations monitoring the situation have expressed alarm over the prolonged nature of the strike. They have urged the government to ensure that the detainees receive adequate medical attention and to address the systemic issues raised by the protest. The groups have also called for transparent reporting on prison conditions to prevent further deterioration.
The hunger strike coincides with broader social and economic challenges facing Lebanon, including a protracted financial crisis and public sector reforms. While the report does not link the protest directly to these macro‑level issues, analysts note that the country's strained resources may be influencing the capacity of prison services to meet basic standards.
International observers have been invited to assess the situation, though no external delegation has yet arrived. The continuation of the strike underscores ongoing tensions between detainees and the state over prison conditions, and it raises questions about the adequacy of Lebanon's correctional infrastructure amid broader national hardships.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/30/dire-situation-lebanese-prisoners-on-hunger-strike-for-18-days?traffic_source=rss.