NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES A LAW TO REDUCE GUN CRIME

Screenshot from the shooter’s livestreamed video from the Christchurch Mosque, where A gunman killed 51 worshippers.

Wed 16 November 2022:

In an effort to cut down on gun violence, New Zealand banned the possession of firearms by those who commit crimes, Anadolu Agency reported on Wednesday.

Firearms Prohibition Orders, according to Police Minister Chris Hipkins, will increase public safety by preventing individuals whose conduct and actions pose a high risk of violence from obtaining firearms or other restricted weapons.

“The orders empower judges to prohibit anyone convicted of firearms-related crimes and other specific crimes, including murder and serious violence offenses, from accessing or using guns. These orders will help police further reduce firearms violence and make our communities safer,” said Hipkins.

Anyone breaching the court order will face penalties from two to seven years.

The law targets any violent offenders, including gang members. It gets the balance right between public safety and the right to use and own firearms, by prohibiting people with a history of offending from being near a dangerous weapon, Hipkins said.

The new legislation gives a judge the power to impose an order lasting 10 years and makes it a criminal offence to breach the conditions of the order, he said, adding a breach is an imprisonable offence.

“We have brought in this legislative tool to hold offenders to account and keep our communities safe from the harm which firearms can be caused when in the wrong hands,” said the minister.

A gunman killed 51 worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, 2019, which was the worst terrorist attack in New Zealand history. The country has tightened its gun laws since then.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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