Why is the issue of Syrian prisoner repatriation from Lebanon complicated?

"The Lebanese and Syrian governments have reached a deal to repatriate about 300 Syrian inmates in Lebanese prisons back to their home country in a move that could pave the way for better relations between the two neighbours. The issue of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon has been a priority for Damascus since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024."

"About 2,400 Syrian prisoners are currently in Lebanese prisons. Some are held on terrorism charges while others are held for links to attacks against the Lebanese army. But most have never been tried despite having spent years in jail, largely due to a myriad of issues, including political gridlock, judicial strikes and general political indifference. And while the deal reached on Friday may signal the beginning of a new relationship between Syria and Lebanon"

"In Syrian eyes, many of the prisoners are being held for political rather than judicial reasons. The government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa believes they are in prison mostly due to the influence of the former al-Assad regime and its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. But for many Lebanese, anyone accused of attacks against the Lebanese armed forces should not be released."

Lebanon and Syria reached an agreement to repatriate roughly 300 Syrian inmates from Lebanese prisons to Syria, a step that could ease bilateral tensions. About 2,400 Syrian nationals remain detained in Lebanon, with some charged with terrorism or linked to attacks on the Lebanese army, but most have not been tried due to political gridlock, judicial strikes and institutional indifference. Longstanding mistrust stems from decades of Syrian influence in Lebanon and the December 2024 fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Syrian authorities view many detainees as politically held, while many Lebanese insist those accused of attacking the army must not be released.

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