De la Espriella lifts Colombia’s 10-year gun ban

Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella has ended a gun ban that had been in effect for 10 years. The ban, which was implemented in 2015, now lifts, giving "good citizens" the ability to defend themselves against criminals. President de la Espriella expressed his views on social media, stating that law-abiding citizens were restricted while criminals continued to illegally obtain weapons.

He emphasized the importance of this change, saying, "Anything said beyond the mathematics is just opinion. Mathematics is an exact science. So I am pleased to sign this decree."

To legally carry a gun, individuals must adhere to strict regulations and must not have a criminal record. The ban reinstates previously approved gun licenses and allows citizens over the age of 25 to purchase approved handguns from Colombia's State military industry. Prospective gun owners must pass fitness tests and convince a military authority that their position in society warrants a firearm.

Conservative and far-right elements of society have long awaited this decision, arguing that the previous gun ban left them vulnerable to extortion, particularly in rural areas. Experts consulted by the newspaper El Colombiano cautioned that lifting the gun ban could lead to an increase in violent crime. Director of the Central University's Security Observatory, Andres Nieto, stated that there is no evidence of a decrease in theft, extortion, and threats following the implementation of gun legalizations in other countries.

He added, "On the contrary, the evidence does show an increase in violence among citizens." The gun ban was first introduced by former President Juan Manuel Santos in 2015 and has been maintained by subsequent presidents.