Gun Policy News
Firearm exports and the international gun trade
China,United States,Ghana,Nigeria
Nigerian Civilians Hold 2 Million Guns, Security Forces 600,000
30 January 2012
Nation (Nigeria)
Members of the dreaded insurgent group, Boko Haram, armed robbers and hired assassins have done great havoc with guns acquired illegally. Where are they coming from? OLUKAYODE THOMAS and JOKE KUJENYA examine the sources of illegal arms into the country.
The ruins are still visible on the police zonal headquatres in Kano. The offices of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) testify to the Boko Haram bombing and armed assaults of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nation (Nigeria)
35782
Brazil
Brazil: 4.3 Million Guns Sold in 5yrs, 40,000 Gun Deaths in 2009 [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Translated summary: domestic manufacturers alone sold 4.3 million guns in Brazil over the past five years. Nearly 40,000 people died in 2009 in episodes involving firearms, including homicides, suicides and accidents, according to latest figures provided by the Ministry of Health. A study by Pablo Dreyfuss, who was a leading expert on the subject, showed that 90% of these deaths are the result of crimes and the risk of dying from injuries caused by firearms in Brazil... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Publica (Brazil)
35796
Brazil
Brazil, the Worlds' 4th Largest Arms Manufacturer and Exporter [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Tanslated summary: Brazil, fourth largest exporter in small arms and around 4,5 million arms exported in the past five years.]
De maneira pouco transparente, governo incentiva crescimento da indústria. Ênfase é nas armas leves: Brasil é 4º maior exportador mundial. Levantamento inédito do Exército revela que nos últimos 5 anos, exportamos 4,5 milhões de armas.
Uma pequena lata metálica, arranhada e atirada ao chão, gerou o primeiro vexame diplomático... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Publica (Brazil)
35795
Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand
Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Publica (Brazil)
35794
Greece,Colombia,Sri Lanka,Syria,Chad,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
The Arms Trade Treaty and Human Rights - Amnesty's Report [Francais]
25 January 2012
Amnesty International
[Translated summary: While international negotiations on the adoption of an International Arms Trade Treaty are at a crucial time, Amnesty International published a report illustrating through the situation in 5 countries (Chad, Syria, Sri Lanka, Colombia, and Greece) the necessity of such an instrument to prevent deadly and irresponsible arms transfers.]
A l'heure où les négociations internationales en vue de l'adoption d'un traité international sur le commerce des... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Amnesty International
35769
Canada
Canadians Own Millions More Guns, Many Unregistered as Laws Relax
24 January 2012
Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
Canadians own more than half a million more firearms than they did in 2006, according to the 2010 annual report from the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program.
But while federal firearms data show that the number of registered gun owners in Canada is dropping, the arsenal of each is getting bigger and bigger.
But many gun owners - and a Tory MP - say the government's estimates are off the mark and that there may be twice as many firearms, and firearms owners, in Canada as... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
35766
Germany,Poland,Nigeria,China,United Kingdom
UK Arms Dealer Arranged to Sell 80,000 Chinese Guns to Nigeria - Court
10 January 2012
BBC News
A British-based arms dealer helped organise the shipment of thousands of guns from China to Nigeria without the necessary licence, a court has heard.
Gary Hyde partly arranged and organised the shipment in 2007 of 80,000 rifles and pistols and 32 million rounds of ammunition.
Southwark Crown Court heard he did not receive permission from the relevant government department.
Mr Hyde, from Derwent near York, denies the charges.
The court was told the shipment involved... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BBC News
35724
Slovakia,Austria,Azerbaijan,Serbia,Russia,Armenia,Turkey,Romania,Czech Republic,Croatia,United States,Bulgaria,Ukraine,Southern Europe,Georgia,Eastern Europe
South Caucasian Republics Purchased 107,324 Small Arms in 2005-2010
4 January 2012
Milaz.info (Azerbaïdjan)
The South Caucasian republics purchased 107 324 small arms from various countries of the world in 2005-2010.
APA reports quoting the UN Register of Conventional Arms that Georgia takes the first place among the South Caucasian republics on purchase of small arms during this period.
Georgia bought 76 377 small arms from 7 countries. The submachine guns, short rifles, pistols, automatic rifles, pistol-machineguns, heavy machineguns, grenade launchers as well as the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Milaz.info (Azerbaïdjan)
35704
China,Europe,United States,Thailand
Firearms Only for the Rich: Bangkok Guns 'Like a Louis Vuitton for Guys'
2 January 2012
CNN
If you have an itchy trigger finger while visiting Thailand it may be difficult to purchase a gun, but wealthy foreigners and Thais who live here can now enjoy their weapon of choice thanks to the recent lifting of a ban imposed in Bangkok last year.
Tourists can, however, buy custom-made leather holsters and other accessories at the estimated 80 weapons stores along Burapha Road, just east of the Sala Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre, where the vast majority of Bangkok's... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CNN
35698
Cayman Islands,United States
US Federal Police Investigate Florida-Cayman Islands Gun Smuggling Ring
12 December 2011
CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
United States federal law enforcement authorities are investigating a firearms smuggling operation between south Florida and Grand Cayman that's been ongoing since at least 2008, according to US District Court records obtained by the Caymanian Compass.
The investigation, a branch of which led to the 2009 arrest, conviction and incarceration of four local men in US federal prison, caught up with a fifth suspect, Mikkyle Brandon Leslie – known in Cayman as Brandon... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CayCompass.com (Cayman Islands)
35651
Tunisia,North Africa,Libya
Alarming UN Report Highlights Proliferation of Weapons in Libya
27 November 2011
Tunisia Live (Tunis)
Since the Libyan Revolution an alarming number of loose weapons have saturated Libyan society, according to a recent report issued by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
Many weapons warehouses holding a wide variety of illicit firearms have been discovered all over Libya. The weapons include antipersonnel weapons, mines, bombs or heavy weapons such as the antiaircraft cannons which threaten the civil air navigation. The report also stated that Libya "has accumulated the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tunisia Live (Tunis)
35599
Zimbabwe,China
China Delivers 20,000 Assault Rifles to Zimbabwe Ahead of Election
14 November 2011
Defence Web (South Africa)
Zimbabwe has taken delivery of 20 000 AK-47 assault rifles from China as the country re-equips its army ahead of upcoming elections.
The Southern Africa Report, which focuses on political and economic intelligence issues in Africa, reports that the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) has taken delivery of "the first of several consignments of Chinese small arms and equipment," including AK-47 assault rifles, uniforms, a dozen trucks and 21 000 pairs of handcuffs.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Defence Web (South Africa)
35560
Libya,Mexico,Germany
Assault Weapon Bribery Probe: Gun Maker Heckler & Koch Raided Again
10 November 2011
Associated Press
BERLIN — Some 300 police officers searched the headquarters of Heckler & Koch Thursday amid allegations the German arms maker bribed Mexican officials to boost its sales, prosecutors said.
The firm is under investigation on suspicion that it "bribed officials in Mexico using cash payments for several years" in connection with arms deliveries between 2005 and 2010, Stuttgart prosecution spokeswoman Claudia Krauth said.
A spokeswoman for Heckler & Koch GmbH confirmed... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
35530
Pakistan
Government Builds Industrial Estate for Illegal Gun Makers in Pakistan
7 November 2011
Central Asia Online (USA)
PESHAWAR – An industrial park will be established in Dara Adamkhel to help transform the illicit arms-manufacturing businesses of tribesmen into legal entities capable of earning export revenue.
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Development Authority recently approved Rs. 196m (US $2.3m) for setting up the industrial business park, Zarar Imtenan of the Pakistan Hunting & Sporting Arms Development Company (PHSADC) said.
"The PHSADC in a meeting with... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Central Asia Online (USA)
35515
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States
Tough to Prosecute Gun Dealers Without Laws: Oxfam, Human Rights First
4 November 2011
San Francisco Chronicle, Opinion
In a trial that played out with far less fanfare than the "Lord of War" movie based on Viktor Bout's life, the public got a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of international arms brokering. Bout was convicted by a federal jury in New York this week on four counts of conspiracy, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Not among the counts against him, ironically, was his alleged involvement in nearly 20 years of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: San Francisco Chronicle
35507
Madagascar
Increased Number of Applications to Carry Guns in Madagascar [Francais]
25 October 2011
Afriquinfos (Barcelona) / Agence Xinhua
[Translated summary: The Defence Bureau under the Ministry of Interior announced a 20% increase each year of the number of applications to carry firearms, by civilians. This would be due to general insecurity in the Antananarivo province. According to the law, civilians are allowed to purchase firearms of the 2nd and 3rd categories - firearms designated 'for defence': handguns, automatic pistols - hunting firearms: shotguns.]
ANTANANARIVO (Xinhua) - Le nombre de... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Afriquinfos (Barcelona) / Agence Xinhua
35482
India,Spain,United Kingdom,Italy,Germany,France,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,Belgium,Austria,Yemen,Syria,Libya,Egypt,Bahrain,West Asia,North Africa,Europe,Russia,United States
Major Arms Exporters Accused of Mideast Gun Sales Before Human Rights
24 October 2011
al Jazeera
According to an Amnesty International report, the US, Russia and a number of European countries supplied large quantities of weapons to repressive governments in the Middle East and North Africa before this year's uprisings.
The report says that these arms deals were signed despite evidence of a substantial risk that they could be used to commit serious human rights violations.
The human rights group reports that in the five years preceding the Arab spring $2.4bn... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: al Jazeera
35448
Syria,Iran,Lebanon,Canada
Quebec Woman Charged with Trying to Export Assault Rifle Parts to Lebanon
21 October 2011
National Post (Toronto)
MONTREAL — Young and striking in her black hijab, Mouna Diab was once active in a Quebec youth group that fought discrimination against Muslims by challenging the stereotypes that too often associate them with violence and terror.
But the outspoken 26-year-old activist had little to say this week after appearing in a Montreal courtroom to face a charge alleging she had violated a United Nations Security Council arms embargo that prohibits the export of weapons to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: National Post (Toronto)
35444
European Union,China,Germany,South Korea,Switzerland,Serbia,France,United Kingdom,Syria,Yemen,Bulgaria,Belgium,Libya,Italy,Bahrain,Egypt,United States,Russia,West Asia,North Africa,Finland,Austria,Sudan,North Korea,Spain
Tracing the Middle East Weapons Flow
19 October 2011
al Jazeera
Earlier this year, as mass popular uprisings spread through the Middle East and audiences across the world sat transfixed by images of unarmed citizens confronting iron-fisted security forces in the streets of Arab capitals, powerful governments from Russia to the United States were forced to begin accounting for the weapons they had for decades sold to the very rulers they now found themselves abandoning.
In Egypt and Bahrain, protesters held up tear gas canisters... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: al Jazeera
35436
Germany,France,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,United Kingdom,Belgium,Austria,Yemen,Syria,Libya,Egypt,Bahrain,North America,West Asia,North Africa,Europe,United States,Russia,Italy,Spain
Arab Spring Abuses Show Need for Arms Trade Curb - Amnesty
18 October 2011
Reuters (Africa)
LONDON - Russia, the United States and European countries ignored fears over human rights abuses and sold large numbers of weapons to governments in the Middle East and North Africa in recent years, Amnesty International said in a report on Wednesday.
Rights group Amnesty said the failings showed the need for a meaningful international arms trade treaty to choke off the supply of weapons to countries seen at risk of turning them on their own people.
"The Arab Spring... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters (Africa)
35431
European Union
New EU Rules to Control Export of Civilian Firearms
13 October 2011
Sofia Echo (Bulgaria)
New rules to control exports of civilian-use firearms, such as sports and hunting weapons, were approved by the European Parliament on October 13 2011.
These rules had already been informally agreed with the European Council, a media statement said.
"The European Parliament wants to guarantee maximum safety, but also to ensure that hunters and sports shooters leaving the EU for a while do not have to go through unnecessary formalities," the statement said.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Sofia Echo (Bulgaria)
35414
Norway,European Union
EU Votes for Control of Cross-Border Movement of Civilian Firearms
13 October 2011
EuroNews (France)
The European Parliament has approved new rules to control the cross-border movement of civilian firearms such as sports and hunting weapons.
The thinking behind the new export procedure is to keep track of weapons by introducing more transparency, and to fight illegal trafficking.
MEP Salvatore Iacolina from the European People's Party said: "What happened in Norway should not happen again. With these new rules we guarantee the simplification of the procedures,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: EuroNews (France)
35413
Europe,North America,St Lucia,Barbados,Antigua & Barbuda,Trinidad & Tobago,St Kitts & Nevis,Jamaica,Bahamas,Caribbean
Caribbean Nations Demand Global Gun Trade Treaty to Curb Armed Crime
11 October 2011
Caribbean 360 (Barbados)
NEW YORK, United States - Battling the scourge of rising crime and violence and some of the world's highest murders rates, Caribbean nations are appealing to the United Nation for help.
They are urging the world body to help them stem the unrelenting flow of guns and ammunition to the region.
From the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Kitts-Nevis, countries with some of the world's highest homicide rates, Trinidad and Tobago, which already has a state of emergency in place... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean 360 (Barbados)
35396
Mexico,United States
Smuggled US Ammunition Feeds Mexico's Ongoing Drug Gun Wars
9 October 2011
USA Today
PHOENIX - Every year, thousands of guns are smuggled into Mexico from the United States, fueling the brutal drug-cartel wars and stirring outrage on both sides of the border.
But often overlooked in the controversy are the tons of bullets that also make their way south of the border.
In Mexico, ammunition is strictly regulated and possession of even a single illegal round can lead to prison. But there is nonetheless a steady supply of bullets. Almost all of it comes... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: USA Today
35386
Venezuela,Libya,Russia
Russia Defence Ministry Orders an Update of the Kalashnikov Rifle
28 September 2011
Moscow Times
The Defense Ministry said Tuesday that it has suspended purchases of the legendary Kalashnikov rifle and is expecting the manufacturer, Izhevsk machinery plant, to present it with a new model of the weapon.
Mobilization reserves of Kalashnikov assault rifles, which the Soviet armed forces began using in 1949, are too big, and the ministry is not satisfied with the quality of the current firearms arsenal, General Staff chief Nikolai Makarov said.
The current reserves... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Moscow Times
35334
Pakistan
Computerisation of Firearm Licences in Pakistan: a Right Initiative
18 September 2011
Associated Press of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD - Proliferation of small arms are known to have played a pivotal role in fueling insurgency, terrorism as well as formation of urban gangs and at the same time undermined development initiatives or other moves to bring about peace in the country.Successive regimes kept adopting numerous measures to stop the relentless spread of firearms in society and also launched campaigns in their tenures, but all this went in vain.Today as the already fragile law and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press of Pakistan
35291
Nigeria,Bahrain,Saudi Arabia,United Kingdom
UN Estimate: 1 to 3 Million Automatic Guns in Civilian Hands in Nigeria
17 September 2011
Next (Nigeria), Opinion
Arms manufacturers and dealers are delighted when a new conflict breaks out.
Desert Storm was a fantastic business opportunity for arms manufacturers. Every round shot through the barrel of a gun was another "ching-ching" in the cash register.
They are not the only ones that benefit through conflict. The likes of Halliburton rejoice with every airstrike and artillery shell that destroys a building or some part of national infrastructure in a foreign country. Every bit... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Next (Nigeria)
35300
United Kingdom,France,Russia,Bahrain
Russia Ignores European Human Rights Embargo, Offers Guns to Bahrain
29 August 2011
Moscow Times / Bloomberg
Russia for the first time is selling weapons to Bahrain after Britain and France banned deliveries of security equipment to the Gulf monarchy because of its crackdown on protesters.
State arms trader Rosoboronexport says it wants more business in Bahrain. The country is selling AK-103 Kalashnikovs with grenade launchers and ammunition for tens of millions of dollars to Bahrain, according to a person close to the Russian Defense Ministry who declined to be identified... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Moscow Times / Bloomberg
35224
Philippines,Indonesia,China
3 Men Charged with Production and Selling of Imitation Guns in China
15 August 2011
China Daily
XIAMEN, Fujian - Three men in East China's Fujian province have been charged with producing and selling imitation guns following a raid on a toy gun factory in Jinjiang city in July.
You Zhixian, a publicity officer with Jinjiang public security bureau, said the three suspects surnamed Huang, Ge and Chen had been arrested on suspicion of producing and selling imitation guns that could cause injury.
"More than 10,000 imitation firearms were discovered in the factory,"... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: China Daily
35189
Jamaica
Government Hired an Expert to Help Stem Flow of Guns into Jamaica
10 August 2011
Jamaica Observer
Government has sought the help of an international expert to develop a national policy to stem the flow of small arms into the island — the prevalence of which has been blamed for the country's year-to-year high murder rate.
The consultant, a woman whose identity has not been disclosed, began her six-month contract on June 9 and will also look at legislation on explosives and all firearms.
National Security Minister Dwight Nelson made the disclosure yesterday during... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jamaica Observer
35175
Russia,United States,European Union,Belgium,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Burundi
Development, Security Require a World Without Small Arms [Francais]
9 August 2011
Pax Christi Wallonie Bruxelles (Brussels)
[Translated summary: In Burundi, the authorities spend each year an average of 5 dollars per person for health care. Each gun injury costs 163 dollars to the health care system. Three quarters of the global budget for health care is thus spent on these injuries!]
Au Burundi, les autorités consacrent en moyenne 5 dollars par habitant aux soins de santé chaque année. Chaque blessure causée par une arme à feu coûte 163 dollars au système des soins de santé. Trois... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Pax Christi Wallonie Bruxelles (Brussels)
35176
Mexico,Canada,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States
US Gun Lobby, Arms Makers Raise Alarm Over UN Global Gun Trade Process
5 August 2011
Fox News (USA)
A controversial U.N. proposed treaty aimed at regulating guns worldwide has been shrouded by confusion and misinformation.
Known informally as the 'Small Arms Treaty,' its detractors have charged the proposed agreement with secretly trying to take guns out of the hands of Americans and circumventing the 2nd Amendment.
While that is unlikely, a working draft proposal obtained by FoxNews.com contains language that some gun advocates say could have a real impact on... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Fox News (USA)
35164
South Africa,Brazil,Argentina,Australia,Mexico,United States,Canada,Africa,Sweden,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas
Canada Gun Lobby Influence on Foreign Policy: Arms Trade Treaty
3 August 2011
Embassy Magazine (Canada), Opinion
Canada has never been a strong supporter of international efforts to negotiate an effective Arms Trade Treaty. But in mid-July, it reversed its previous low-key but constructive role at the United Nations ATT preparatory meetings to become a potential treaty spoiler. All indications point to this change of heart arising from the domestic gun lobby's influence on Canadian foreign policy.
After years of preparation, member states of the United Nations will devote a month... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Embassy Magazine (Canada)
35160
Iran,Canada,United States,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
UN Global Arms Trade Treaty Could Dangerously Weaken US Gun Rights
1 August 2011
Albany Democrat-Herald (Oregon), Editorial
For five years the United Nations has been working on a comprehensive treaty to control the international arms trade. The last preparatory meetings were held in New York on July 11-15, and the organization is preparing the final version to be adopted and released for ratification by the member nations in 2012. The process represents a constitutional threat to Americans with, unfortunately, the support of President Obama.
The treaty seeks to control and restrict arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Albany Democrat-Herald (Oregon)
35157
United States,Italy
Italian Guns To Be Manufactured With New Tracing Technology
29 July 2011
Security Management News (USA)
Italian gun manufacturers will begin putting RFIDs on their weapons starting next year, according to a U.S. gun distributor who sells them. The new technology is set to become standard for inventory and tracking weapons manufactured in Italy. RFID tags can be small tags or chips programmed with identifying information that can be read by a scanner. Gun enthusiasts have raised privacy concerns about the practice, saying that it would make it possible for people to detect... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Security Management News (USA)
35156
United States,Norway
US Gun Control Activists Call for New Firearm Laws after Norway Massacre
28 July 2011
CBS News (USA)
Anti-gun violence activists in the U.S. are renewing their push for new gun laws in the wake of the revelation that the alleged Norway shooter claims to have purchased high-capacity ammunition magazines from a United States retailer.
Anders Behring Breivik, the alleged lone-wolf terrorist accused of shooting and killing 68 people at a youth camp in Norway and killing eight in an Oslo bombing last week, details purchasing the ammunition in his 1,500-page... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CBS News (USA)
35142
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States
US Senate Opposition Mounts to UN Arms Trade Treaty
26 July 2011
US News & World Report
Senate opposition is growing to President Obama's support for a United Nations effort that could bring international gun control into the United States and slap America's gun owners with severe restrictions.
At last count, 55 senators, including 10 Democrats, have signed letters to the president and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying they will oppose the Arms Trade Treaty . The treaty must win a two-thirds majority to win passage, meaning that approval appears... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: US News & World Report
35151
Pakistan,South Asia,China,United States,United Kingdom,Germany,France,India,Nepal
Global Gun Trade Treaty the Only Way to Control 'Arms Bazaar'
25 July 2011
República (Kathmandu), Opinion
In 2009, I recall visiting a militant camp in India's North East a day before they would surrender. The deputy commander who was in charge and allegedly responsible for the death of at least 200 people brandished his M16 assault rifle and flaunted his bodyguard who was following him with a rocket launcher. He was calm but shifty-eyed and admitted having a personal saving of a few billion INR in his account. Barely 24 hours after his formal surrender, he was in seen in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: República (Kathmandu)
35116
Israel,United Kingdom,Russia,France,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,China,United States
Productive Negotiations at the UN on Arms Trade Treaty [Francais]
18 July 2011
Courrier du Vietnam / AFP
[Translated summary: Member States of the UN "made significant progress" during the week of negotiations in New York for the adoption in July 2012 of the Arms Trade Treaty, said on July 15 Eric Danon, representative of France in the negotiations.]
Les États membres de l'ONU ont "beaucoup progressé" pendant une semaine de négociations à New York en vue de l'adoption en juillet 2012 d'un traité sur le commerce des armes, a déclaré le 15 juillet Eric Danon,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Courrier du Vietnam / AFP
35078
Suriname,Bolivia,Colombia,Brazil,Paraguay,Argentina
Brazil's New Small Arms Smuggling Frontier? The Sea
18 July 2011
Christian Science Monitor, Blog
Brazil has more gun deaths than any other country in the world, and so the phenomenon of arms trafficking is a major concern.
Almost 20 percent of guns seized in the country are foreign produced, while those that cannot legally be sold in the country are legitimately produced in Brazil and then exported, before being smuggled back in, according to a study on arms trafficking by NGO Viva Rio, in collaboration with Brazil's Justice Department.
According to a recent... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Christian Science Monitor
35077
Europe,Oceania,Asia,Americas,Africa,Canada
Canada Tosses Gun Lobby Wrench Into UN Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations
15 July 2011
Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
Canada has thrown a wrench into negotiations toward a UN arms-trade treaty by proposing hunting rifles be exempted from the draft accord, gun-control groups say.
But firearms advocates are praising the move, calling it evidence the Harper government is on their side when it comes to gun control.
Preliminary talks on a future Arms Trade Treaty are being held this week at the United Nations in New York. The treaty would establish common international standards for the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
35059
United States,European Union,United Kingdom,Germany,France,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
Skepticism, Caution as UN 'Stumbles' Toward Global Gun Trade Treaty
14 July 2011
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS - After six years of protracted negotiations, a largely sceptical international community is moving towards readying a long outstanding global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) for signature by July next year.
"Governments have made a tremendous amount of progress toward this important treaty," Dr. Natalie Goldring, a senior research fellow at the Center for Peace and Security Studies of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, told... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
35111
European Union,Bulgaria,Russia,West Africa,Pakistan,France,Australia,United Kingdom,Canada,Germany,Italy,United States,Haiti,Côte d'Ivoire,Madagascar
Study Finds Small Arms Have Serious Impact on Fragile States
6 July 2011
Voice of America
A new study finds the global authorized trade in small arms, light weapons, and their ammunition is worth nearly $7.1 billion a year. In its annual report, the independent think tank, the Geneva Forum, also examines the serious impact small arms proliferation is having upon three so-called fragile states-Madagascar, Ivory Coast and Haiti.
Arms exporters
The survey finds in 2008, the United States, Italy and Germany topped the list of 14 top exporters of small arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Voice of America
35022
South America,South Asia,Central Asia,Eastern Europe,Africa,Egypt,France,Italy,Libya
Libya's Rebels: Where Are the Weapons From?
15 June 2011
The Interpreter - Lowy Institute for International Policy (Australia)
Libya's rebels appear to be armed in a fairly predictable way. The basis of their armoury seems to come from weapons taken from state stockpiles in battle and from defecting Libyan officers. The literature refers to these as 'battle-captures', or euphemistically, 'leakage'. In Libya's case, it's clearly a flood.
Libya was one of the largest purchasers of conventional military equipment in the developing world in the 1970s and 80s. While the USSR was its main supplier,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: The Interpreter - Lowy Institute for International Policy (Australia)
34956
Europe,Asia,Oceania,Americas,Africa
UN Programme of Action on Small Arms: Assessment of the Past 10 Years
15 June 2011
NATO Review
In 2001, UN member states signed up to a politically binding plan to tackle small arms. They did this amidst a growing awareness that the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of small arms and light weapons - and their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread in many parts of the world - was undermining human security and development.
The 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: NATO Review
34944
Italy,European Union,United States,Austria
Strict Gun Laws at Home, But Austrian Exports Fuel Gun Violence Abroad
10 June 2011
Vienna Review (Austria), Opinion
When you think of Austrian exports, what are the first things that pop into your mind? Sausages? Beer? Those little round chocolates with Mozart's portrait on the foil cover? All of these are valid answers.
But if you didn't think of the Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with short recoil, locked breech and a tilting barrel, possessing an effective range of slightly over 50 meters and the possibility of inserting up to a 33 shot clip, you are seriously missing out. It's... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vienna Review (Austria)
34940
United States,North Africa,Russia,European Union,East Asia,Indonesia,China
The Arms Trade Treaty, Several Hurdles Must be Overcome Before 2012
8 June 2011
United Nations News & Commentary
In a three-day meeting organized by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) the European Union, and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, representatives of nearly 30 East Asian and Pacific countries are gathering with regional and international organizations to discuss the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
This is the latest in a series of regional meetings UNIDIR is conducting to develop concrete recommendations on the future Treaty and to assist States with... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: United Nations News & Commentary
34919
Asia,Indonesia
Asia-pacific Countries Readying for the Arms Trade Treaty at UN
7 June 2011
Jakarta Post
Representatives from 30 Asia-Pacific countries gathered in Bali on Monday (June 6) to discuss arms transfers and ways to improve controls through a new international legally binding instrument - the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) - currently being negotiated at the UN.
The Bali meeting is part of a process to strengthen the negotiations leading up to the adoption of the treaty at a UN conference in 2012 by ensuring an inclusive process by allowing countries to make... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jakarta Post
34927
Australia,United States
Australia's Tough Gun Laws Don't Prevent Criminals from Getting Guns
6 June 2011
Courier-Mail (Brisbane), Opinion
IT WAS in Austin, Texas, that I once visited a gun fair displaying sufficient weaponry to stage a medium-sized war and all for sale to those citizens claiming their constitutional right to bear arms.
The fair epitomised the US gun culture and laws, laws frequently lampooned by commentators for their laxity, the all-too-frequent random, multiple shootings hailed as proof that liberal gun ownership endangers the lives it is designed to protect.
Perhaps, but in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
34902
Belgium
Debate on Walloon Law Could Regulate Belgium's Arms Exports [Francais]
1 June 2011
La Libre (Brussels), Opinion
[Translated summary: The Walloon regional government of Belgium is reviewing its licensing procedure for weapon exports, including small arms, which should lead to the adoption of a Walloon decree. In this Op-ed RAIAL, a group of NGOs, states the case for better control of the Belgian arms trade].
Loin d'être remarquable, la dernière mouture de la procédure d'octroi des licences d'exportation d'armes proposerait davantage de garanties. Mais au nom des intérêts... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: La Libre (Brussels)
34916
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Inputs in Negotiations on the International Arms Trade Treaty
31 May 2011
Solomon Star (Solomon Star)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must get whole of government support and develop a comprehensive policy framework to ensure that the planned international arms trade treaty (ATT) has the most benefit to the Solomon Islands.
These were some of the recommendations emerging from a national consultation held in Honiara last Thursday on the treaty, which aims to create a legally binding international framework to regulate the trade in conventional weapons.
If successful... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Solomon Star (Solomon Star)
34873
United States,Canada
Canadian Unlawful Gun Dealer Faces a Sentence in US Federal Prison
30 May 2011
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
When Oliver King was arrested outside a storage locker packed with high-end, military-style weapons, he had, if cast in a particular light, all it would take to be a villain in a half-cooked terror thriller.
Instead, as the investigation rolled on, federal authorities found King to be an entirely different sort. Rather than some sort of jet-set gunrunner, they had collared an odd man with a failed business, a tendency toward exaggeration – records show he once... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Seattle Post-Intelligencer
34872
United States
Wal-Mart Goes Back to Selling Guns, Ammo at Hundreds of US Stores
27 April 2011
Wall Street Journal (USA) / Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is quietly bringing back rifles, shotguns and ammunition to hundreds of U.S. stores as the hurting retail giant seeks to reinvigorate its one-stop shopping appeal and attract more male customers.
The world's largest retailer stopped selling hunting rifles and bullets at all but a third of its U.S. stores five years ago, citing diminishing sales. It is now restoring them to hundreds of locations, bringing the total to nearly half of its more than... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Wall Street Journal (USA) / Walmart
34755
Libya,Germany
Arms Exports to Libya Show Apparent Hypocrisy of German Foreign Policy
21 April 2011
Deutsche Welle
At the end of February, a shaky video appeared on Youtube showing Moammar Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam addressing a raucous crowd in Tripoli. Struggling to keep the regime supporters quiet long enough to speak, Saif promises that weapons will be handed out to fight the opposition forces. As if to show what kind of weapons he means, Saif waves a large machine gun.
This gun has been identified as a Heckler and Koch G36, manufactured in Germany. It's the standard weapon of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Deutsche Welle
34702
United States,Australia
Should Australian Police be Contributing to the Gun Death Toll in the USA?
14 April 2011
Croakey / Crikey (Australia), Blog
Should Australia be contributing to the gun toll in the USA?
It's a timely question for the Defence Export Control Office in the Department of Defence in Canberra, says Adjunct Associate Professor Philip Alpers, of GunPolicy.org at the Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney.
Philip Alpers writes:
If Canberra follows precedent, around 10,000 surplus Australian police firearms will soon be for sale in pawn shops and gun shops across the United States.
To... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Croakey / Crikey (Australia)
34671
United States,Australia
Thousands of Used Australian Police Guns Headed for US Streets – Again
14 April 2011
Australian (Sydney)
Almost 10,000 Australian police-issue handguns will flood the American secondary arms market after two state police departments opted to trade in their old weapons rather than have them destroyed.
The Australian has learned that Victoria and South Australia struck deals with weapons manufacturer Smith & Wesson to export their surplus weapons to the US to reduce the cost of upgrading to semi-automatic pistols.
While NSW and the Australian Federal Police destroyed their... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Australian (Sydney)
34668
Morocco,Algeria,Syria,Tunisia,Egypt,Yemen,Bahrain,Libya,United Kingdom
Lawmakers Report Says Britain Misjudged Its Middle East Gun Sales
5 April 2011
Associated Press
LONDON, United Kingdom - British lawmakers issued a critical report Tuesday showing that Britain approved sales of shotguns and tear gas to Libya, machine guns and sniper rifles to Bahrain and military technology to Yemen over the last three years.
Parliament's foreign affairs, defense, international development and business committees said in a joint report that ministers failed to consider the implications of weapons sales to the Middle East and elsewhere.
"Both the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
34635
United States
Common-sense Steps Needed to Reduce Gun Violence in Indiana
2 April 2011
Indianapolis Star (Indiana), Opinion
Fellow Hoosiers sometimes ask me why a three-term Republican mayor from Fort Wayne would want to run the national Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
The answer is simple: I learned as mayor that we make it way too easy for dangerous and irresponsible people to get guns. When violent crimes were on the rise in my city, I increased the number of police significantly, worked with neighborhood and faith-based groups, and implemented collaborative programs to help... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Indianapolis Star (Indiana)
34629
United States,Mexico
Obama Under Mounting Pressure for Botched Gun Trafficking Investigation
28 March 2011
Fox News (USA)
Congress and the Department of Justice appear to be headed for a showdown this week over documents detailing Operation Fast and Furious, the botched gunrunning sting set up by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that funneled more than 1,700 smuggled weapons from Arizona to Mexico.
The Justice Department has until Wednesday to deliver to congressional investigators a stack of records and emails naming the individuals responsible for the gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Fox News (USA)
34605
United Kingdom,United States,United Arab Emirates,Jordan
Former UK Gun Lobby Leader Nears Plea on US-Middle East Gun Running
27 March 2011
Tennessean (Nashville)
Illegally trafficked assault rifles and gun parts manufactured in Nashville ultimately found their way to Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, according to federal court documents unsealed Wednesday.
The documents — sworn statements written by federal agents in support of search warrants for facilities owned by Sabre Defence Industries — reveal many new details about an alleged conspiracy to skirt U.S. regulators and law enforcement... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tennessean (Nashville)
34597
West Asia,United Arab Emirates,Egypt,Yemen,Turkey
Turkey Probes 'Unauthorised' Shipment of 16,000 Handguns to Yemen
25 March 2011
Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey says it is investigating a shipment of thousands of Turkish-made small arms bound for Yemen that were seized by Dubai police.
A statement from Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Friday insisted that no such shipment had been authorized by Turkish officials.
Dubai's police found 16,000 pistols concealed in a cargo shipping container. It says the shipment originated in Turkey and passed through an Egyptian port before reaching the Gulf Emirate.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
34593
United States,Mexico
Texas Mayor, Police Chief Helped Smuggle 200 Guns to Mexico, Say Feds
10 March 2011
Reuters
EL PASO, Texas - The mayor and police chief of a small town on the U.S.-Mexico border were among 11 suspects indicted for allegedly trafficking around 200 guns to Mexico, authorities said on Thursday.
The U.S. Attorney's office in New Mexico said the mayor of Columbus, Eddie Espinoza, the town's police chief Angelo Vega, and village trustee Blas Gutierrez were among those arrested on an 84-count indictment.
"Gutierrez, Espinoza and Vega were duty sworn to protect and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
34544
Europe,Asia,France,Oceania,Americas,Africa
French Ambassador Says UN Moving Closer to Global Gun Trade Treaty
4 March 2011
Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS – France's ambassador for disarmament says countries meeting at the U.N. are moving closer to consensus on the need for a legally binding treaty to regulate the multibillion-dollar global arms trade.
Ambassador Eric Dannon said Friday that the Arms Trade Treaty being discussed would meet two objectives: regulate the legal trade of conventional weapons by requiring countries to track arms exports and imports, and help fight illicit... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
34494
Mexico,United States
US Feds Allowed Hundreds of Guns to Fall Into Hands of Mexican Cartels
3 March 2011
Center for Public Integrity (Washington)
Hoping to score a major prosecution of Mexican drug lords, federal prosecutors and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives permitted hundreds of guns to be purchased and retained by suspected straw buyers with the expectation they might cross the border and even be used in crimes while the case was being built, according to documents and interviews.
The decision — part of a Phoenix-based operation code named "Fast and Furious" — was met by strong... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Center for Public Integrity (Washington)
34497
United Kingdom,United States
Gun Runner Smuggled Dozens of Handguns from US to UK, Pleads Guilty
2 March 2011
BBC News
An American man accused of smuggling 62 guns into the UK has pleaded guilty in an US court.
Steven Greenoe, 37, who appeared in court in Raleigh, North Carolina, faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1m (£610,000) fine.
In exchange for federal prosecutors dropping 48 other weapons charges against him, he pleaded guilty to two counts of transporting guns outside the US without a federal export licence.
He is expected to be sentenced in June.
Arsenal
US prosecutors... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BBC News
34491
Australia
The Arms Trade Treaty - A Test Run for Australia on the UN Security Council
1 March 2011
Canberra Times (Australia), Opinion
It is no secret that Australia is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council, the body responsible for maintaining global peace and security. This would place Australia in the inner sanctum of the most powerful body of the UN, albeit without the veto rights of the five permanent members.
Whatever your perspectives about Australia's motivations for making this bid, events unfolding this week in Libya and at the UN give us reason to seriously consider the potential... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Canberra Times (Australia)
34591
United States,United Kingdom
UK Gun Dealers Face US Charges Involving Tens of Thousands of AK47s
20 February 2011
Guardian (UK)
His lawyers contend he is a model citizen. And as a successful businessman, Gary Hyde certainly exudes an aura of respectability. For years the 41-year-old father of two was a volunteer police officer in his home town of York, until a serious injury forced him to retire. "He is an upstanding and respected member of that community," his lawyers argued last week.
But now another picture of Hyde is emerging. A man who had turned his enthusiasm for guns and military... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK)
34436
Bulgaria,India
India Buys Another 20,000 AK-47s to Protect Luxury Trains, Repel Maoists
13 February 2011
Press Trust of India
NEW DELHI - Waking up to the threat of Maoists and terrorists, Railways is procuring 6,000 AK-47 rifles besides critical accessories like bullet-proof jackets and helmets for its security personnel to protect trains and stations.
"We are in the process of acquiring 6,000 fully automatic AK-47 assault rifles from Bulgaria. The payments has been made to Ministry of Home Affairs for the purchase," a senior Railway Ministry official told PTI.
The AK-47 assault rifles... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Press Trust of India
34390
Iraq,United States,United Kingdom
New York, UK, German Gun Dealers' Links to Global Arms Trafficking Deal
13 February 2011
Democrat and Chronicle (New York)
In May 2007 a British firearms dealer — Mil Tec Marketing Inc. — signed off on a contract to supply weapons parts to a Florida-based company that provides munitions and equipment to the U.S. military and other national defenses.
Under that agreement, weaponry and accessories would have ended up in Iraq for the war effort. But the British firm was unable to meet the contractual promises. Oddly, an ensuing spat between the companies is the seed of an international... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Democrat and Chronicle (New York)
34379
Germany,United Kingdom,Portugal,China,United States,Europe
Gun Runner Turns on Licensed Dealers in UK/US/Europe Trafficking Case
10 February 2011
Associated Press
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - A sudden plea agreement in a federal prosecution of a trio of international weapons dealers has heightened momentum in a case that could shed light on the illicit global arms trade, including irregularities in U.S.-backed shipments of assault rifles to Iraq.
Gun dealer Karl Kleber, a German national who had been living in Portugal, pleaded guilty Wednesday in a U.S. district courtroom, admitting to violating federal arms laws in a scheme to import... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
34372
Trinidad & Tobago,Canada
Trinidad & Tobago Welcomes Canadian Support, Funds to Curb Gun Trade
10 February 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Gun amnesty is not right for T&T at this point in time. This was the recommendation put forward yesterday by Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs at the launch of a regional project on gun control, titled Strengthening Caricom Co-operation to reduce Gun Crime, at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre. The project is a collaboration between Caricom's Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and Project Ploughshares, a Canadian non-governmental organisation.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
34368
United States,United Kingdom
Tennessee Grand Jury Charges UK Gun Lobby Figure with Arms Trafficking
9 February 2011
Tennessean (Nashville)
A federal grand jury charged Nashville-based gun manufacturer and U.S. military supplier Sabre Defence Industries and five company officers with illegal international arms trafficking.
Sabre owner Guy Savage, a United Kingdom citizen, and Middle Tennessee residents President Charles Shearon, Chief Financial Officer Elmer Hill, Director of Sales Michael Curlett and International Purchasing Manager Arnold See Jr., are the individuals charged.
They also face charges of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Tennessean (Nashville)
34366
United States,Mexico,Romania
Romanian Assault Rifles Modified in US, Flood South to Mexican Drug War
3 February 2011
Center for Public Integrity (Washington DC)
Camron Scott Galloway, 21, walked into X Caliber Guns in Phoenix, Ariz., on Jan. 30, 2008, and filled out forms for the purchase of six AK-47 rifles.
Reliable and powerful, and a bargain at about $500 each, the Romanian-made gun, a semiautomatic version of the iconic Kalashnikov assault weapon, had become popular with the drug cartels in Mexico.
Galloway, who eventually pleaded guilty to a forgery charge and became a cooperating prosecution witness in a broader case,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Center for Public Integrity (Washington DC)
34333
Libya,United Kingdom,United States
Licensed US/UK Gun Dealers Planned to Sell 130,000 AKs to Libya
3 February 2011
Democrat and Chronicle (New York)
A British company linked to the alleged illegal smuggling of AK-47 magazines bought by a Chili-based firearms dealer was the focus of 2008 U.S. State Department classified memos released recently by WikiLeaks.
The memos, published by the Telegraph newspaper in the United Kingdom, centered on the planned purchase of 130,000 Kalashnikov semiautomatic rifles by Libya. The British company York Guns intended to act as an intermediary for the sale, the memos allege, and York... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Democrat and Chronicle (New York)
34332
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
Arms Trade Treaty Needed to Mesh with Domestic Caribbean Gun Laws
1 February 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Despite the regulatory provisions of the Firearms and Customs Acts, there is evidence that domestic legislation has proven insufficient to combat the illegal arms trade. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan yesterday said while domestic legislation was necessary there was greater need to collaborate with international partners to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms. Rambachan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the second regional workshop on... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
34318
Sri Lanka,Zimbabwe,Côte d'Ivoire
Is Zimbabwe Illegally Supplying Guns, Ammunition to Côte d'Ivoire?
31 January 2011
Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
On 23 January, the Sunday Times in the UK reported that in the dying days of 2010 the Zimbabwe government clandestinely transferred arms to incument President Laurent Gbagbo's administration in the Ivory Coast.
The arms consignment allegedly comprised small arms, mortars and ammunition, which was mainly of Chinese origin. The transfer was facilitated by the state-owned Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), and was supposedly dispatched with the blessing of Zimbabwean... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
34393
Americas,Trinidad & Tobago,Caribbean
Arms Trade Treaty Needed to Curb Gun Running, Save Lives in Caribbean
31 January 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Express
A large percentage of the victims and perpetrators of gun violence in the region are young men, Foreign Affairs Minister Surujrattan Rambachan said yesterday.
Rambachan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second Regional Workshop on Negotiations for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.
"Research has established that in the main, the victims and perpetrators of gun violence in the region are young men of low socio-economic... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
34308
United States,United Kingdom
Licensed British Gun Dealers Charged in UK-US 'AK-47 Conspiracy'
30 January 2011
Guardian (UK)
The shadowy world of Britain's arms dealers has been thrust into the spotlight after the directors of two companies based in York and Kent were charged with conspiring to illegally export to the US hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition for AK-47 assault rifles in breach of an American embargo.
Court documents filed in the US claim that British businessman Gary Hyde and his associate Karl Kleber fraudulently imported more than 5,000 Chinese-produced AK-47 drum... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK)
34301
Africa
Arms Trade Treaty to Control Guns, Rein in Trigger Happy Rogue Regimes
29 January 2011
Inter Press Service News Agency
PARIS - A half a century after U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower named and denounced the military-industrial complex's ever-increasing influence on world affairs, the arms trade thrives more than ever, with African states frequently being the destination.
Although figures are hard to come by, the development advocacy group Oxfam estimates that, every year, sub-Saharan African governments spend around 18 billion dollars on weapons and defence, roughly the same amount as... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
34286
Iraq,United Kingdom,United States,Germany
Global Arms Import Case Implicates Gun Dealers in US, UK, Germany
27 January 2011
WHAM-TV (New York)
CHILI, New York - On Friday a German man will appear in Rochester's Federal Courthouse to answer to charges related to an international gun smuggling operation. Authorities claim 56 year-old Karl Kleber illegally sold AK-47 drum magazines to a Chili-based gun business; American Tactical Imports (ATI) and its sister-company AmChar.
The basis for the smuggling charge Kleber now faces is a shipment of 5,760 75-round AK-47 drum magazines that federal agents believe were... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: WHAM-TV (New York)
34282
United States
One of Arizona's Top Exports is Guns for Mexico Drug Cartels, Say US Feds
26 January 2011
Wall Street Journal
PHOENIX — Federal officials said Tuesday they busted a network of gun buyers and smugglers planning to ship 700 guns to Mexican drug cartels embroiled in deadly turf wars.
Law-enforcement officials arrested 17 people named in a 53-count indictment unsealed Tuesday. Police were still searching for three other people named in the indictment.
"The drug cartels go shopping for their war weapons in Arizona," said Dennis Burke, U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Wall Street Journal
34266
Venezuela,United States,Central America,Norway,Colombia,South America,West Asia,Sweden
Support for Arms Trade Treaty Grows as Norway, Sweden Fund SIPRI
26 January 2011
United Press International
WASHINGTON - Support for international efforts to secure an effective arms trade treaty has received boost with new European funds going into the work of leading think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Frenetic arms buying in Latin America in 2009 and last year led to diplomatic initiatives, including several from the Obama administration, to control a trend that critics said could turn into an arms race.
The arms buying was fueled partly by... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: United Press International
34258
United Kingdom,United States
Ex-Marine Smuggled 66 Guns from US to UK, Sold Them to Gangs - Police
25 January 2011
Press Association (UK)
A former Marine faces trial in the United States accused of smuggling more than 60 handguns into Britain in his luggage.
Steven Greenoe, 37, is alleged to have imported at least 66 weapons into the country from his home in North Carolina.
Police fear many of the guns, which included Glock and Ruger 9mm pistols, were sold to criminal gangs in north-west England.
One drive-by shooting in Wythenshawe, Manchester, last October, in which a man was hit in the leg,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Press Association (UK)
34247
United States,Canada
Arizona's Virtually Non-existent Gun Laws 'Appalling' to Canadians
15 January 2011
Calgary Herald (Alberta), Editorial
The American gun lobby will no doubt question a Canadian newspaper for daring to poke its nose where they think it doesn't belong, commenting on Arizona gun laws. With Canadians, including many from Alberta, helping to drive Arizona's housing recovery, we think it is very much our business.
Even this paper, which has opposed Canada's long-gun registry, is appalled at Arizona's virtually non-existent gun laws, which allowed a deeply disturbed Jared Lee Loughner, 22, to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Calgary Herald (Alberta)
34139
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
Globalisation and the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons
15 January 2011
Eurasia Review
In June 2010, the representatives of all United Nations (UN) Member States came together at the Biennial Meeting of States in New York to consider the implementation of the 2001 Programme of Action (POA) on the illicit trade in small arms. The program was initiated in July 2001 to keep a check on the ever-growing illicit trade on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and to help countries, combat this pernicious problem. While the forum has worked continuously for the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Eurasia Review
34133
Germany,Mexico
Germany Bans Heckler & Koch Gun Sales to Mexico in Human Rights Row
13 January 2011
Canadian Business / AP
BERLIN - Germany's government has banned weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH from any new arms deliveries to Mexico amid concerns they are ending in parts of the country where Berlin has forbidden weapons exports over human rights issues, according to a letter obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.
The letter from the Economy Ministry to the arms manufacturer, dated Jan. 4, says the company's applications for exports of "weapons and other defense goods" to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Canadian Business / AP
34094
Iraq,Indonesia,Serbia,Jordan,Afghanistan
Serbian Weapon Maker Foresees 30% Rise in Sniper Rifle Exports
12 January 2011
Bloomberg (USA)
Zastava Oruzje, a Serbian weapons maker, made $17 million of sales abroad in 2010 and expects the figure to rise 30 percent this year as a result of contracts to sell sniper rifles to Jordan and Indonesia, Blic reported, citing General Manager Rade Gromovic.
The maker of handguns, military and hunting rifles also plans to continue supplying the Iraqi and Afghan armies until at least 2014, the newspaper... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Bloomberg (USA)
34075
Mexico,Germany
German Police Finally Raid Heckler & Koch for Illegal Gun Exports to Mexico
3 January 2011
Deutsche Welle
Police recently searched the offices of German arms company Heckler & Koch in connection with allegedly illegal weapon exports to Mexico used in the drugs war. One manager involved in the deal has already resigned.
The scandal currently embroiling Germany's biggest small arms manufacturer is becoming more and more difficult to contain. Heckler & Koch (H&K) stands accused of illegally exporting handguns and automatic rifles to embargoed regions of Mexico in the grip of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Deutsche Welle
34066
United States,China,Albania,Afghanistan
US Gun Dealer Gets 4yrs for $300 Million Pentagon Afghan Ammo Fraud
3 January 2011
Associated Press
MIAMI - A youthful arms dealer whose company once boasted a $300 million Pentagon munitions contract was sentenced Monday to four years in federal prison for trying to ship millions of rounds of prohibited Chinese-made ammunition to Afghan forces fighting alongside U.S. troops.
U.S. District Judge Joan Lenard imposed the sentence on 25-year-old Efraim Diveroli, who faced a maximum of five years behind bars after pleading guilty in 2009 to a fraud conspiracy charge.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
33951
Germany,Mexico
German Police Raid Heckler & Koch, Probe Illegal Gun Exports to Mexico
22 December 2010
SIFY News (India)
STUTTGART, Germany - German police searched the offices of Heckler and Koch, a German manufacturer of premium firearms, Tuesday over suspicions that its exports of rifles to Mexico may break German arms-export laws, prosecutors in Stuttgart said.
German law forbids unlicensed exports to zones of conflict.
A spokeswoman said Heckler and Koch, which supplies armies, police forces and hunters worldwide with high-powered rifles and small arms, was suspected of breaching... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: SIFY News (India)
33893
Australia
20 Handguns Stolen from Dead Australian Gun Dealer's Storage Locker
6 December 2010
Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
In the past year police have seized 3,200 firearms. And while shootings are in decline - 96 in 2008, 86 last year and 42 in the first half of this year - figures from the Australian Institute of Criminology show theft of guns is increasing.
In 2007-08 1712 firearms were reported stolen by owners in 708 incidents, an increase of 186 from the previous year. Most of these thefts netted one or two firearms, primarily from private homes.
Dr Samantha Bricknell from the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
33761
Turkey,Italy,Portugal,Netherlands,Europe
Italian Gas Guns Illegally Converted in Portugal to Arm European Criminals
19 November 2010
NRC Handelsblad (Rotterdam)
As the EU cracks down on firearms, illegal trafficking in altered alarm guns is booming on the Continent. They're cheap, easy to alter, impossible to trace – so they're becoming the criminal's weapon of choice.
At the age of 10, Massimo Tanfoglio was already packaging pistols in his father's factory. Now, age 57, he manages the Fratelli Tanfoglio firearms factory in Gardone Val Trompia, in northern Italy. Strolling down the streets of this small town, you'll see... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: NRC Handelsblad (Rotterdam)
33714
Australia
Government Promotes Lucrative Openings for Australian Arms Exports
19 November 2010
Online Opinion (Australia), Opinion
Things have been a bit dodgy in my neighbourhood lately. Some strange characters are hanging around, and more than the usual smattering of domestic arguments are disturbing the peace. Were it not for our gun ownership laws, it would be a golden opportunity. Set up a local arms and graft fair, similar to those wonderful weekend art and craft fairs, make a neat profit and help the nation's economy, all at once.
The international scene is not constrained by such laws... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Online Opinion (Australia)
33712
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,United States,Africa
Towards a Bullet-proof Arms Trade Treaty - Amnesty International
19 November 2010
Disarmament Times (USA), Opinion
The poorly regulated global trade in conventional arms and ammunition has an enormous human cost.(1)
One hundred twenty-eight armed conflicts since 1989 have resulted in at least 250,000 deaths each year. Serious injuries are even more numerous. Ratios of reported battlefield injuries to deaths vary from 2 to 28 injuries for every death.
Twenty-six million people worldwide had been displaced as a result of armed conflict at the end of 2008. The top six countries of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Disarmament Times (USA)
33670
Mexico,United States
Mexican Ambassador Says US 'In Gun Sales Business' to Cartel Drug War
14 November 2010
National Public Radio (USA)
Many Mexican politicians view the current drug war — which has claimed roughly 30,000 lives over the past four years — as one more curse foisted on Mexico by their rich neighbor to the north.
In this worldview, the incredibly violent conflict is fueled by U.S. demand for narcotics, fought with weapons from U.S. gun shops, and funded by U.S. cash that flows freely across the border.
At the chamber of the Mexican Senate, Sen. Sebastian Calderon Centeno says the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: National Public Radio (USA)
33642
Russia,Afghanistan
Russia Once Again Airlifts Planeloads of Assault Weapons to Afghanistan
9 November 2010
Voice of Russia (Moscow)
Power structures in any country should be well-armed: otherwise, what we are talking about can't be called power structures. This rule is of great importance for all countries, including Afghanistan in the first place. And still, till recently the power structures in Afghanistan were practically unarmed. Now the situation has begun changing – among other things, thanks to supplies from Russia.
The transport planes of the Russian Interior Ministry have begun... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Voice of Russia (Moscow)
33622
Europe,Kosovo,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Serbia,United States,Southern Europe
Balkan Gun Smuggling Seen as Prime Terrorist Threat to America, Europe
9 November 2010
Reuters
BELGRADE/SARAJEVO - Security experts concerned that the next militant attack in Europe could be a Mumbai-style commando raid are looking at the Balkans as a likely place for them to find weapons quietly and efficiently.
Western governments and intelligence sources have stepped up warnings recently of preparations for attacks in Europe and the United States, and said the attackers might emulate the 2008 assault on Mumbai's financial district in which 166 were... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
33611
Mexico,Americas,United States
Despite Obama Pledge, Democrats Resist Regional Gun Trafficking Treaty
21 October 2010
Washington Post
During his first visit to Mexico, President Obama pledged to do more to keep U.S. guns out of the hands of murderous drug cartels. One promise: to seek approval of a long-stalled treaty against illegal weapons sales.
"I am urging the Senate in the United States to ratify an inter-American treaty known as CIFTA, to curb small-arms trafficking that is a source of so many of the weapons used in this drug war," the president said at the April 2009 news conference.
To the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Post
33512
Papua New Guinea,New Zealand,Oceania,Australia
Lack of Legislation Leaves Pacific, NZ Wide Open to Illegal Arms Trading
20 October 2010
ABC News (Australia), Transcript
A new report on illegal arms trading has singled out New Zealand as an example of a country where weaknesses in company law allow the trade to proliferate.
The report, Brokers without Borders, by the international aid organisation Oxfam, draws on the example of a shipment of conventional weapons that was intercepted in Thailand en route from North Korea to Iran in December last year.
It transpired that the plane chartered to carry the illegal shipment had been leased... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: ABC News (Australia)
33563
Iran,New Zealand,North Korea,Thailand
Oxfam Report Details New Zealand's Vulnerability in Global Gun Trade
19 October 2010
New Zealand Press Association
Gaps in New Zealand's company laws that leave the country vulnerable to illegal arms traders need to be addressed urgently, an Oxfam report says.
The report, Brokers without Borders, was released yesterday and highlighted the need for a global arms trade treaty.
It holds New Zealand up as an example of how illicit arms brokers continue to use international networks of companies to exploit regulatory gaps, when detailing an incident last December when a 35-tonne cache... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Zealand Press Association
33504
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