Debate about the weapons law: age limit for long weapons to 25 years?
Debate about the weapons law: age limit for long weapons to 25 years?
In Austria, public discussions about weapons legislation begin after the tragic killing spree in Graz. According to Kleine Zeitung , the focus is above all the regulations on the possession and acquisition of firearms. The acquisition of category C weapons, which include rifles and shotguns, is possible from the age of 18, while for category B weapons, such as revolvers and pistols, an official permit is required.
A central concern is the registration of all weapons in the central weapon register or at an arms dealer within six weeks of the acquisition or transfer. Long weapons can also only be conducted with a weapon pass, a valid hunting card or as a member of a shooting club.
proposals for weapons legislation
The chairman of the youth criminal law, Daniel Schmitzberger, points out that category B and C weapons hardly play a role in youth crime. He suggests raising the age limit for the acquisition of long weapons to 25 years. These and other proposals are discussed as part of the debate about possible derivations from the killing spree in Graz, whereby prevention and victim protection also play a role.
While the National Security Council analyzes the background of the incident and prevention measures, SPÖ security spokesman Maximilian Köllner emphasizes the need for prevention measures and psychosocial care. However, the FPÖ is skeptical of tightening the weapons law and sees the existing law as one of the strictest in Europe. She argues that most weapon offenses are committed with illegal weapons and that stricter laws do not automatically lead to more security.
The Greens meanwhile demand more controls in private weapons sales and regular reliability tests every five years. It is also noted that hunters are excluded from these exams. A proposal by the Greens provides for category C-weapons only from the age of 21 and to oblige sports shooters to leave their weapons in the shooting range or club restaurant.
prevention strategies in focus
parallel to the discussions about weapons legislation, the Federal Ministry of Youth is working on strategies for the prevention of child and youth crime. As on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth Explained, specialist discussions should be stimulated and thematic focuses on.
The majority of suspects children and adolescents only appear police or criminal. Only about 5-10% occur several, sometimes serious crimes, whereby intensive offenders are mostly male and can be affected by complex problems, including social disadvantage and experiences
The prevention of crime and violence has developed in the past two decades both qualitatively and quantitatively. The cooperation between the areas of child and youth welfare, school, police and judiciary has been strengthened, and the responsibility for the implementation of preventive measures lies with the states and municipalities.
In summary, it can be seen that the discussion about weapons legislation in Austria not only has legal but also social dimensions that are closely linked to the prevention of youth crime.
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Ort | Graz, Österreich |
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