De la Espriella's Gun-Control Decree Keeps Sparking Debate Across Colombia
President Abelardo de la Espriella's decree lifting a decade-long ban on carrying legal firearms in public continues to divide security experts and civil society.
A decree signed by President Abelardo de la Espriella on September 9 is still generating significant debate in Colombia. The measure lifts a suspension that had been in place for roughly a decade, once again allowing Colombians with up-to-date permits to carry registered firearms in public without requiring additional authorization.
Supporters of the move argue it restores rights to law-abiding permit holders and could serve as a deterrent against crime. Critics, however, warn that loosening gun-carry rules in a country still grappling with armed conflict and high homicide rates could have dangerous consequences.
The decree is one of the most visible early signals of de la Espriella's public-security agenda since he took office on August 7, following his runoff victory over Ivan Cepeda of the governing Historic Pact in June.
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Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.