Japanese police are taking action to restrict the incitement of unlawful possession of guns, particularly through online platforms, in response to the 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Tetsuya Yamagami, the suspected shooter, claimed to have learned how to make guns from online videos. As a result, the National Police Agency (NPA) plans to impose penalties on online content that encourages the production and transfer of illegal firearms.
Yamagami is believed to have created multiple guns at home, one of which was used in the assassination of Abe. The NPA is considering imposing harsher penalties on homemade guns intended for causing harm, regardless of whether they meet the standard shape of a traditional gun. Additionally, the scope of firearms covered by laws against discharging guns is set to be expanded to include hunting guns.
In light of the murder of four people, including police officers, in Nagano Prefecture in May, the NPA also intends to tighten regulations on half-rifle hunting guns. Currently, owning a rifle requires a hunting gun license held for at least 10 consecutive years, but permits for half-rifles can be obtained even by beginners. These changes aim to prevent further instances of gun violence and strengthen control over firearms in Japan.
The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe using a homemade gun has prompted Japanese police to take swift action against the incitement of unlawful possession of firearms. Tetsuya Yamagami, the alleged assailant, reportedly acquired the knowledge to make guns from online videos. In response, the National Police Agency is planning to impose penalties on online content that encourages the production and transfer of illegal firearms.
Yamagami is said to have created several guns at home, including one used in the assassination of Abe. The NPA is considering imposing harsher penalties on homemade guns intended for causing harm, regardless of whether they meet the standard shape of a traditional gun. Additionally, the scope of firearms covered by laws against discharging guns is set to be expanded to include hunting guns.
In light of the murder of four people, including police officers, in Nagano Prefecture in May, the NPA also intends to tighten regulations on half-rifle hunting guns. Currently, owning a rifle requires a hunting gun license held for at least 10 consecutive years, but permits for half-rifles can be obtained even by beginners. These changes aim to prevent further instances of gun violence and strengthen control over firearms in Japan.
The recent assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe using a homemade gun has led to heightened concerns about the incitement of unlawful possession of firearms. Tetsuya Yamagami, the suspected assassin, allegedly learned how to make guns from online videos. In response, the National Police Agency has announced plans to introduce penalties for online content that encourages the production and transfer of illegal firearms.
Yamagami is believed to have manufactured multiple guns at home, one of which was used in the assassination of Abe. The NPA is considering imposing harsher penalties on homemade guns intended for causing harm, regardless of whether they meet the standard shape of a traditional gun. Additionally, the scope of firearms covered by laws against discharging guns is set to be expanded to include hunting guns.
In light of the murder of four people, including police officers, in Nagano Prefecture in May, the NPA also intends to tighten regulations on half-rifle hunting guns. Currently, owning a rifle requires a hunting gun license held for at least 10 consecutive years, but permits for half-rifles can be obtained even by beginners. These changes aim to prevent further instances of gun violence and strengthen control over firearms in Japan.
