Mexico: judges back stiffer penalties for kidnappers

(Vatican Radio) Mexican Judicial Authorities have announced they're doubling the recommended jail sentence for those convicted of kidnapping from 20 to 40 years. It's an attempt to stem the rising tide of abductions nationwide. Mexican Judges now have the power to jail convicted kidnappers to 40 years jail time. In the case of a victim being murdered as well as being abducted, which increasingly happening even though ransoms are invariably paid, then the sentencing guideline is increased from 50 to 140 years. Authorities say kidnappings have more than quadrupled in the last six years. Fewer than two per cent of kidnappings in Mexico are ever reported to the police.