Overview
We are not aware of any HIV-specific laws in Lebanon, however there are general provisions in the Penal Code that could be relevant to HIV criminalisation.
Articles 604 and 606 of the Penal Code contain offences relating to negligent spreading of human/contagious diseases through a failure to observe laws or regulations. The penalties provided are up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine, or where death occurs, one to three years’ as well as a fine.
Article 512 provides for an aggravated penalty for certain sexual offences, including rape, and ‘indecent’ assault, where the victim contracts a disease.
We have received no reports of HIV cases under these or any other general criminal provisions.
Laws
Penal Code
Article 604
Whoever, through lack of precaution, negligence or failure to observe laws or regulations, causes the spread of an epidemic human disease, shall be punished by imprisonment for up to six months. If the perpetrator knowingly commits the offence without intending for anyone to die, he shall be punished with imprisonment from one to three years in addition to a fine.
Article 606
A penalty of up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to LBP 200,000 shall be imposed on anyone who fails to observe the special regulations for combating epidemics, infestations, plant diseases, locusts and other harmful animals.
Penal Code
Article 512
Under the provisions of article 257, the penalties for the offences provided for in this chapter shall be aggravated:
(…)
If the victim suffers from syphilis or any other disease or harm that causes a disability of more than ten days (…)
If one of the aforementioned offences results in the death of the victim and the perpetrator did not intend this result, the penalty shall not be less than twelve years.