Colombia ends decade-long restrictions on carrying guns
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Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella signed a decree allowing people with valid permits to carry registered firearms in public, reversing a policy in place since 2015.
De la Espriella fulfilled a campaign promise with this action, stating that law-abiding citizens deserve the right to self-defense while criminals possess illegal weapons.
The previous restriction, first implemented by President Juan Manuel Santos and continued by Iván Duque and Gustavo Petro, required firearm owners with permits to obtain additional authorization before carrying their weapons outside their homes. The new decree does not change existing regulations for legal gun ownership. Approximately 700,000 Colombians currently hold permits that will now allow them to carry their registered firearms without extra approvals.
De la Espriella defended the decision by saying his “word is his honour” and he keeps promises. However, the policy change faced criticism from some politicians. Senator Ariel Ávila of the Green Alliance Party warned that legally owned guns could end up in criminal hands and argued the state should fully protect citizens.
De la Espriella responded by noting that security forces have seized over 15,000 illegal firearms this year, many connected to groups like the Farc and the Gulf Clan.
