Gunnery Network
Brazil Bans Gun Sales
Gunnery Network News - 22 June 2000
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Gunnery Network
Brazil Bans Gun Sales
Gunnery Network News - 22 June 2000
| Faced with public outrage stemming from a string of recent crimes, the Brazilian government has implemented an immediate ban on the sale of firearms, the New York Times reported June 21. Justice Minister Jose Gregori said the ban would remain in effect until the end of this year. At the same time, the government is seeking congressional approval of a bill that would ban the possession of firearms by any Brazilian citizen except those in the armed forces, law enforcement, or an employee of a private security company. The ban is part of a $1.7 billion national-security plan aimed at reducing urban violence and reforming the police during the next three years. According to the government, Brazilian citizens own more than eight million guns, about three-quarters of which are unregistered. In addition, guns are used in an estimated 90 percent of murders in Brazil. |
