New Zealand to Ban Assault Rifles
Six days after the mass-shooting at the two mosques at Christchurch in New Zealand, the country has now banned all Military-Style Semi-Automatics (MSSA) and Assault Rifles. New Zealand Prime Minister
On 15 March 2019, a gunman opened fired in two Mosques in the Christchurch area of New Zealand which killed 50 people and injured many. 6 days after the incident, the Government of New Zealand has created new gun laws which are extremely strict. They have now banned all Military-Style Semi-Automatics (MSSA) and Assault Rifles in New Zealand.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that the new laws will be in place by 11th April. The government has even created a buy-back scheme for all the banned weapons. She said that they have created new gun laws to ensure the safety of the citizens of New Zealand. The country has a population of less than 50 lakh people, has an estimated 12,00,000-15,00,000 lakh firearms, around 13,500 of them are MSSAs.
The minimum legal age to own a gun in New Zealand is currently 16 years, or 18 years for MSSAs.This law has now been changed. Only farmers will be allowed to handle such weapons for pest control and animal welfare. The Farmers of New Zealand are in full support of the new laws.
Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected a white supremacist was arrested for the mass-shooting. He has been charged with murder and will be presented in court on 5th April. The two Mosques will reopen on 23rd March and a mass burial will also be held for all the victims who lost their lives.
