In brief
Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a decree that removes a long‑standing restriction on carrying legally‑owned firearms in public. The measure will allow almost 700,000 people with valid carry permits to take their guns out of their homes without extra authorization while maintaining stringent ownership controls. Critics, like Green Alliance Senator Ariel Ávila, warn that the change could enable illegal actors to acquire weapons. The president argues that the move enhances citizens’ self‑defence and is part of his campaign promise to combat crime, stressing that police are already seizing thousands of illegal firearms linked to dissident groups.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a decree that lifts a decade‑long ban on carrying licensed firearms in public.
The move – part of his campaign promise to crack down on crime – says that the restriction was never intended to be permanent and that those with valid permits can now take their guns out of homes without extra authorization.
Impact: The decree will affect nearly 700,000 Colombians who hold legal carry permits, giving them a new right to move firearms freely while maintaining strict ownership controls.
Criticism: Green Alliance Party Senator Ariel Ávila slammed the decision as “a grave error” and warned that loosening the rules could allow guns to fall into the hands of criminals.
Security assurances: De la Espriella counters that security forces are already targeting illegal weapons, having seized more than 15,000 firearms this year linked to breakaway Farc factions and the Gulf Clan gang.
Conclusion: While the decree opens the door for licensed owners, he stresses that the country’s gun‑control framework will remain intact and that the move aims to protect citizens rather than spark a “free‑for‑all” scenario.
