BEIRUT: State Prosecutor Hatem Madi instructed the country’s public prosecutors Monday to take strict measures on combating abductions and use precautionary detention as a measure for a limited period of time.

In a meeting with public prosecutors from across the country, Madi asked the judges to "take strict measures in dealing with crimes of kidnapping for ransom starting at the level of the public prosecution's office, the courts and punishments because it's a phenomenon that has spread in Lebanon."

Lebanon has been rocked by a spree of kidnappings for ransom including the abduction of a 12-year-old boy outside his house in a Beirut neighborhood. The boy was released after his parents reportedly paid $250,000.

The abductions across the country have contributed to the already deteriorating security situation , which has witnessed a rise in crime rate.

During the four-hour meeting, Madi also instructed the judges not to use precautionary detention unless necessary and for a short period of time. He also asked them to use alternatives to detention.

"Detention is a measure not a punishment and it should be applied when necessary and within the logical and humane framework,” he said.