The Senate has approved a new resolution that places kidnapping under terrorism offences and seeks to amend the Terrorism Act to introduce the death penalty for anyone found guilty of the crime.
Lawmakers reached the decision during plenary on Wednesday, citing the rise in nationwide abductions and the need for stronger punishment to deter offenders.
According to the Senate, the proposed amendment would make the death penalty compulsory once a court confirms a kidnapping conviction.
A statement from the chamber said, “The resolution mandates that, upon conviction for kidnapping, the death penalty must be enforced.”
Senators stressed that the move is meant to send a clear warning to criminal groups behind repeated abductions across the country.
The upper chamber noted that classifying kidnapping as terrorism would also tighten prosecution and strengthen security agencies in handling related cases.
More details are expected as the legislative process continues.
