Mexico City  - Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Thursday proposed life sentences for those found guilty of kidnapping, in a move to curb a crime wave in the North American nation.

He sent the proposal to Parliament in the wake of outrage over the recent murder of a 14-year-old kidnapped boy.

The life sentences would be aimed particularly at public officials - such as police officers - involved in kidnappings, as well as those who snatch children, or abuse or sell their victims.

The highest punishment in Mexico is now 50 years in prison, but a poll by the Reforma newspaper showed 71 per cent of Mexicans favour the death penalty. (dpa)