To take someone hostage means that the victim is kidnapped and/or held against his will. The aim of the hostage-taking is to force other people to do something or not to do something, such as to facilitate a crime or to make them pay a ransom. If there is no threat or order, it is not a question of hostage-taking but of unlawful deprivation of liberty. If the hostage is released voluntarily within five days of the arrest, detention or abduction, without the threat having been met, there will automatically be a reduction in sentence.  There will be an increased sentence if the hostage is a minor or if the hostage has suffered serious and/or long-term medical consequences or if torture is used. For more information about this crime, a concrete punishment and/or tailor-made advice, contact our criminal lawyers via [email protected].