New Zealand Prime Minister bans semi automatic weapons

Books Thursday 21/March/2019 09:31 AM
By: Times News Service
New Zealand Prime Minister bans semi automatic weapons

Muscat: New Zealand has moved to ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons and all assault rifles following a mass shooting in Christchurch on 15 March.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said during a televised announcement to the nation, “I absolutely believe there will be a common view among New Zealand shared between those who use guns for legitimate purposes and those who never touched one. The mass and availability of these weapons must end.

“Today, I am announcing that New Zealand will ban all military-style semi-automatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles.” She also announced bans on specific high capacity magazines and and all part with the ability to convert semi-automatic or any other type of firearm into a military style semi-automatic firearm or assault rifle.

She added, “In short, every semi-automatic weapon like the one used in the attack on Friday will be banned in this country.”

According to her, the legislation required for the changes has already been drafted and will be introduced quickly.

“The attacker on 15 March took a significant number of lives using primarily two guns. They were assault rifles and they were purchased legally with a category gun license,” she explained.

Ardern added that the attacker then improved the guns by using illegal modifications that were done “easily using online advice.”