by Natasha Horvath

Associated Press reported that the sentence of a kidnapper who played a role in the torture and murder of young a French Jew, Ilan Halimi was increased by three years. Samir Ait Abdel Malek was one of the many people who played a role in the 2006 transgression.

Jean-Christophe Soumbou was sentenced to 18 years behind bars in the appeals court verdict. Malek, an associate also received 18 years which had an additional three years to his previous sentence. A state prosecutor had sought 20 years for each of them. Youssouf Fofana, the ringleader had chosen not to appeal his conviction and life sentence.

The appeals proceedings took place behind closed doors because two of the defendants were minors at the time of the crime. The court upheld a nine year sentence against the woman who had taken part in luring Halimi into the gang's trap. She was a minor at the time.

Seven of the people that took part in the kidnapping of Halimi received sentences ranging from eight months to 11 years behind bars. Six people received sentences of 12 to 15 years. An apartment building guard who made available the room where Halimi was held got 10 years. One of the 17 defendants on trial was acquitted.

Halimi, 23, was held captive for over three weeks. He was found naked, handcuffed and covered with burn marks near railroad tracks south of Paris on 13 February 2006. He died on the way to the hospital.

Twenty-four people, including eight women, were convicted in the original trial last year on charges that included kidnapping by an organized group and failing to assist a person in danger.