In brief
President Abelardo de la Espriella of Colombia has signed a decree that removes the suspension requiring extra authorization to carry legally owned guns in public. The move applies to almost 700,000 permit holders, allowing them to take their registered firearms out of their homes as long as permits remain valid. While the president stresses that gun ownership controls will remain tight, critics warn that easing restrictions could divert weapons into criminal hands. The decree marks a significant policy reversal amid increasing concerns over rising violence and the president’s campaign promise of a tough stance against crime.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a decree easing gun carry restrictions in Colombia. The change lifts a decade‑long suspension that required additional authorization for holders of legitimate firearms to bring guns into public places. The decree now allows about 700,000 permit owners to legally carry their registered weapons outside their homes.
The president, who ran on a “iron‑fist” anti‑crime platform, said the law reversal addresses an imbalance where criminals are armed while law‑abiding citizens cannot defend themselves. He stressed that the restriction removal does not create a free‑for‑all environment and that stricter controls on gun ownership will continue to be enforced.
Critics argue that loosening the rule could lead to weapons ending up in criminal hands. Green Alliance Party Senator Ariel Ávila called the decree a “grave error” and warned that only state forces should bear responsibility for public safety.
In response, De la Espriella highlighted that police operations are already seizing more than 15,000 illegal firearms this year, mainly from former rebel factions and organized gangs. He maintains that the decree will not compromise national security.
