Senate Passes Bill Raising Mexico's Kidnapping Penalty to 140 Years Edward V. Byrne - the Mexico Gulf Reporter
go to original April 24, 2014

GUADALAJARA - On its first day back at work after a 10 day Holy Week recess, Mexico's Senate today approved a bill raising the maximum penalty for kidnapping to 140 years in prison. Although many members had not yet returned from their holiday, a quorum sufficient to conduct business was present.

The vote was 61 in favor and 22 against. The measure now moves to the lower legislative chamber, the Cámara de Diputados, for debate.

Mexico was the 2013 world leader in kidnappings, a burgeoning crime over which president Enrique Peña Nieto personally expressed concern on Dec. 20. A month later a new National Anti-Kidnapping Commission was created, with a cabinet level secretary. On Mar. 7 federal kidnapping czar Renato Sales Heredia reported the offense had increased 24% between 2012 and 2013, while other officials said in December there were 33% more cases last year. Kidnappings in 2014 are up 11% compared to the first quarter of 2013, according to Mexico's National Public Security Commission.

Under current law kidnapping which results in the murder of the victim is punishable by 40 to 70 years in prison. The bill doubles those penalties, to a term of 80 to 140 years. Kidnapping accompanied by torture or sexual assault of the victim would be subject to a penalty of 50 to 100 years. There is no capital punishment for any crime in Mexico.

Read the rest at the Mexico Gulf Reporter

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