Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a decree easing restrictions on carrying legal firearms in public, fulfilling a campaign promise. The move lifts a decade-long suspension that required additional authorization even for permit holders.
The decision to ease gun control measures in Colombia is significant as it reverses a decade-long policy aimed at reducing violence, potentially impacting public safety and the government's approach to crime.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a decree that eases restrictions on the public carrying of legal firearms, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The move lifts a suspension that had been in place for a decade, which mandated that even individuals with a permit to carry a gun needed additional authorization to do so.
De la Espriella, who campaigned on a platform of being tough on crime, stated that it was unjust for criminals to be heavily armed while law-abiding citizens could not defend themselves. He emphasized that the decree would not lead to a free-for-all and that strict controls over gun ownership would remain.
The original restriction was introduced in December 2015 by then-President Juan Manuel Santos as a temporary measure for the holiday season. However, it was subsequently extended annually by his successors, Iván Duque and Gustavo Petro. The new decree removes this requirement, allowing approximately 700,000 Colombians with valid gun permits to carry their registered firearms.
Green Alliance Party Senator Ariel Ávila has described the decision as a "grave error," expressing concern that legally held guns could fall into the hands of criminals and arguing that only state forces should carry firearms. President de la Espriella countered these concerns, asserting that the measure would not compromise security and highlighted the seizure of over 15,000 illegal firearms this year, many linked to criminal gangs and Farc factions.
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