The Department of Political Science and International Affairs (PSIA) hosted Dr. Omar Nashabe, a globally recognized expert on prison systems and penology, as part of its annual 27-Minute Lecture Series on the 18th of February. Dr. Nashabe’s thought-provoking presentation shed light on the critical challenges facing Lebanon’s prison system, emphasizing the urgent need for judicial reform as a precursor to addressing systemic issues.

Dr. Nashabe, whose work has garnered international acclaim, focused on the dire state of Lebanon’s prisons, which are plagued by severe overcrowding and the prolonged incarceration of hundreds of individuals without convictions. He argued that the root of the problem lies not within the prisons themselves but within the country’s judiciary. “Before any meaningful reform of the prison system can take place, Lebanon must first address the inefficiencies and delays in its judicial system,” he stated. The backlog of cases and prolonged pretrial detentions, he explained, have exacerbated the overcrowding crisis, creating inhumane conditions for detainees.

In his lecture, Dr. Nashabe also challenged the global emphasis on rehabilitation within prison systems, noting its low success rates worldwide. “Rehabilitation alone is not the solution,” he asserted. “The focus should be on creating societal conditions that minimize crime in the first place.” He called for comprehensive social, economic, and political reforms to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

The 27-Minute Lecture Series, an annual initiative by the PSIA department, aims to foster dialogue on pressing issues affecting society. This year’s event provided the Balamand community with a unique opportunity to engage with Dr. Nashabe’s insights, sparking a lively discussion on the intersection of justice, governance, and human rights.

Dr. Nashabe’s lecture underscored the interconnectedness of Lebanon’s judicial and prison systems, offering a sobering reminder that sustainable reform requires a holistic approach. As the event concluded, attendees were left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of penology and the urgent need for systemic change in Lebanon.







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