Sentencing for blood feuds strengthened

TIRANA (AP):Albania's government has introduced tougher penalties for murder and other serious crimes in an effort to combat blood feuds, domestic violence, and widespread illegal weapons possession.

Justice Minister Eduard Halimi announced the new guidelines yesterday, raising minimum penalties for murder from 25 to 38 years, and illegal weapons possession from seven to 15 years, both without the right to seek parole.

Domestic violence resulting in serious injury will be carry a jail term of 20 years to life, from the current five-year sentence.

Parliament had approved tougher sentencing in May.

High crime rates in former Communist Albania are considered a major concern ahead of the June 23 general election and are often blamed on widespread illegal weapons possession, dating back to a 1997 popular uprising that looted army store.