Bulgaria to Introduce Life Jail Sentence for Violent Kidnapping

Bulgaria Deputy Justice Minister Daniela Masheva announced proposed ammendments to the Bulgaria penal code on Tuesday. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria Deputy Justice Minister, Daniela Masheva, announced a draft amendment to the Bulgarian Penal Code which includes 15 to 30 years imprisonment or a life sentence for kidnapping.

So far the heaviest penalty for kidnapping has been between 5 to 10 years, but after a spate of recent high profile cases there has been pressure on the government to increase the punishment.

Life jail terms have generally been only given out to Murderers in Bulgaria but this is set to change, as repeat kidnap offenders, or kidnappers who use violence on their victims will now be given the punishment without the possibility to appeal.

This move follows Bulgaria PM Boyko Borisov’s comments on October 23 when has proposed that the punishment for kidnap should be 30 years in prison if they ask for a ransom.

Borisov stated that “these people should not be left to return to the streets again”. He added that if the victims are injured or killed a life sentence for the kidnappers is the only option.

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