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posted by n1 on Monday June 19 2017, @04:44AM   Printer-friendly
from the up-in-arms dept.

Submitted via IRC for TheMightyBuzzard

Australia has announced national gun amnesty, allowing people to hand in illegal or unregistered firearms to authorities. The move is aimed at curbing growing numbers of illegal weapons and comes amid an increased terrorist threat.

[...] The program starts on July 1 and within three months – until September 30 – anyone who possesses an unwanted or unregistered firearm, or a firearm-related item such as ammunition, can legally dispose of or register their firearm at "approved drop-off points in each State and Territory", without fear of being prosecuted, Justice Minister said.

Outside the amnesty period, however, those who are caught with illegal guns could face a fine of up to AU$280,000 (US$212,000), up to 14 years in prison and a criminal record.

“My expectation is it will probably not be the case that we will have hardened criminals who have made a big effort to get a hold on illegal guns would necessarily hand them in. The purpose is to reduce the number of unregistered and illicit firearms in the community,” Keenan said, as cited by AAP.

[...] Earlier this month, the authorities announced plans to build its first prison solely for militants with extreme views to prevent the radicalization of other inmates.

Source: RT


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  • (Score: 2) by bob_super on Monday June 19 2017, @09:27PM

    by bob_super (1357) on Monday June 19 2017, @09:27PM (#528161)

    Outside of a few rare-if-overly-publicized lunatics, criminals don't want to use their weapons.
    A criminal sure of his upper hand is less likely to cause unnecessary injury. Victims who are still alive can resort to simple civilized ways to recover their losses.

    If you don't take my word for it, you can check Australian crime stats.

    I'll let you try to pull your 9mm out when some guy's already got a shotgun pointed at you. The internet is full of American armchair heroes.

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