More stringent rules to keep firearms
(Belga)
Fri 31/10/08 16:31 - All those who possess a gun, should be able to
present an official licence as from 1 November. If not, they risk big
fines or even imprisonment.

Today was the last day that people lacking a licence for their firearm
could return it. Under the so-called "amnesty law", they did not risk
any sanction if they did so.

During the past few days, a big number of people came to a police
station to hand their weapon over to the police. A total of 115,000
returned weapons have already been destroyed.

Those who want to keep their gun could apply for a (new) licence until
now. Today was the last day to send in applications.

Weapon owners who secretly keep a weapon without a licence, risk fines
up to 25,000 euros or up to 5 years imprisonment.

The gun law was tightened in 2006, after the racist murders in the
centre of Antwerp. The aim is to have fewer people possessing
firearms, or only those who have a good (professional) reason.