Brazilian president eases gun ownership with new decree

By Gamze Turkoglu Oguz

SAO PAULO, Brazil

Brazilian president on Tuesday signed a decree easing gun ownership -- a promise he made during his election campaign.

Sworn in on Jan. 1, Jair Bolsonaro without delay took the first step to keep his promise of arming the "good guys" against violence, the New York Times reported.

Speaking on the new rules at the signing ceremony, the Brazilian leader said: "I signed this decree, created by many upstanding people, so that at this first moment, upstanding citizens can have peace inside their homes."

With this presidential decree, persons will not be required to declare the reason why they intend to own a gun. The registration renewal period has also ben extended from five to 10 years.

However those who will apply to purchase weapons in Brazil still must be at least 25 years old, have a clean criminal record, a proved residence and have to work in a regular jobs as well as undergo psychological testing and gun training.

Brazil has a high killing rate with 64,000 murders committed in 2017, 43,000 of which were caused by firearms.

The far-right leader, who has a military background, had made himself the most popular candidate in election polls with his harsh discourse on fighting corruption and crimes.