Syrian president signs decree on punishments

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has signed a decree on punishments for murders and kidnappings, RIA Novosti reports.

Kidnappers will be sentenced to hard labour for life. Kidnappers responsible for grave injuries, rape and murder will be executed.

Cases of kidnappings have been common on territories occupied by militants. Kidnappers demand from thousands to millions of dollars for release of hostages.