Kidnapping for Ransom: Severe Penalties in Egypt’s Penal Code

Egypt’s penal code imposes severe penalties for kidnapping, particularly when the victim is a child and a ransom is demanded. Article 289 stipulates that kidnapping a child without deception or coercion is punishable by a minimum of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. If the kidnapping involves a ransom demand, the punishment escalates to a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 20 years. The law further specifies that if the kidnapping is accompanied by sexual assault or violation, the perpetrator faces the death penalty or life imprisonment. Article 290 outlines similar penalties for kidnapping an individual through deception or coercion. The minimum sentence for such acts is 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, with a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 20 years if ransom is involved. The punishment for kidnapping a child or a woman in this manner is life imprisonment. If the kidnapping involves sexual assault or violation, the perpetrator faces the death penalty.