Colombian President Lifts General Suspension of Firearm Permits

President Abelardo de la Espriella signed Decree 1368 on September 8, lifting the generalized suspension of permits to carry firearms in Colombia. The president stated that the decision fulfills a campaign promise, arguing that decent people should be able to defend themselves while criminals remain heavily armed. He clarified that the measure does not allow for indiscriminate use of weapons and that strict requirements regarding physical, psychic, and emotional conditions, as well as a lack of criminal records, remain in place.

President De la Espriella noted that 99.9% of armed crimes are committed with illegal weapons. He cited data showing that authorities seized 15,700 firearms between January 1 and September 3, with 14,179 of those linked to crimes. This total included weapons tied to the Clan del Golfo, the ELN, and various dissident groups. The decision received support from Cartagena Mayor Dumek Turbay, who praised the move to allow law abiding citizens to carry arms.

Reporting on the event varied by political perspective. Center right sources framed the move as a matter of honor and a necessary tool for self defense against organized crime. In contrast, a center left source described the campaign promise as controversial and questioned as it was implemented, focusing on the potential impacts and risks associated with the decision.