Brazil - July 2023
Civilian use of guns restricted by decree
Reversing policy of the Bolsonaro administration, which relaxed the rules surrounding gun ownership, Lula da Silva’s government issued a decree restricting the ownership and use of guns by civilians on 21 July. The number and type of guns and ammunition that civilians can own has been reduced, and now requires supporting documentation to prove that gun ownership is needed for personal safety. The time frame for gun permits has also been reduced to three to five years (down from ten). Civilians who own weapons and ammunition that are now banned will be able to sell them, or they may be confiscated by federal police. Oversight of gun ownership has shifted from the military to federal police.
Sources: Associated Press , Al Jazeera
