Hessen fights against arms trade: punishments are supposed to rise drastically!

Hessen fights against arms trade: punishments are supposed to rise drastically!

An alarming signal from Hessen! Minister of Justice Christian Heinz (CDU) has enthusiastically announced that the conference of Justice Ministers has approved his initiative to combat organized crime. The situation is serious: more and more illegal firearms are in circulation in Germany, and the punishments for illegal arms trade are far too mild in European comparison. Currently there are a maximum of five years in prison for illegal trade in firearms - often only suspended sentences are imposed. A devastating signal for criminals!

"It must finally have an end!" Calls Heinz. He calls for a drastic increase in punishment to punish illegal arms trade harder. "A new federal government has to deal with this topic and present a law," continued the Minister of Justice. The conference of Justice has already decided that the Federal Government should immediately present a draft law that significantly increases the punishments for commercial and gang -based trading in firearms.

international dimension of the problem

Illegal arms trade knows no limits! A significant part of this international problem comes from former war and crisis regions, especially the Western Balkans, which is still considered a European hotspot for illegal firearms. These weapons come to Germany via illegal transports and are resold in criminal circles. "In Germany, these weapons are used to earn money or arm criminals," warns Heinz.

The numbers speak for themselves: According to the federal laying picture 2023 "Weapon Crime" of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the number of violations of the weapons law has increased by 6.3 %. The violations of the War Weapons Control Act have also increased by 4.3 %. "Illegal arms dealers take advantage of the low punishments in Germany to win new couriers. We have to withdraw the arguments and punish them for their actions harder," the Minister of Justice demands determined. A clear appeal to politics to act now!