Abelardo de la Espriella signs decree to lift general suspension of firearm carrying in Colombia
President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1368, which lifts the general suspension on carrying firearms across Colombia. The measure, which took effect on August 8th, allows the nearly 700,000 people who already hold valid safe conduct permits to carry their weapons without requiring additional special authorization. This decision ends a period of restriction that began in 2014 under the administration of Juan Manuel Santos and continued through the administrations of Iv谩n Duque and Gustavo Petro. President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that the move aims to provide citizens with a means of self-defense against criminals who continue to arm themselves illegally. The administration clarified that the decree does not authorize open carry or free sale of arms, as the state maintains its monopoly on weapons and ammunition. Instead, it restores the effectiveness of individual permits issued under strict legal requirements, including physical and mental aptitude tests and a lack of criminal records. While the measure was celebrated by some, others expressed concern that it could increase violence, noting that many firearms currently in circulation are held by criminal organizations.
Sources
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Abelardo de la Espriella levanta la suspensi贸n de los permisos para el porte de armas en Colombia
EL PA脥S
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Gobierno De la Espriella aclara decisi贸n sobre derogatoria de decreto para porte de armas
El Espectador
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P谩gina web de la Industria Militar de Colombia, Indumil, present贸 fallas tras decreto del Gobierno que levant贸 suspensi贸n del porte de armas
El Tiempo
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Claves del decreto que levanta suspensi贸n para porte de armas, 驴por qu茅 hay pol茅mica? | El Colombiano
El Colombiano