UAE | Government
Council passes draft law imposing stiff penalties for possessing arms illegally
The Federal National Council on Tuesday passed a draft law imposing stiff penalties for carrying, possessing or dealing in arms, munitions, explosives and fire crackers without a licence.
- By Samir Salama, Associate Editor
- Published: 17:43 July 1, 2008
- Dr Anwar Gargash and Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, Minister of Labour, attend FNC session in Abu Dhabi.
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday passed a draft law imposing stiff penalties for carrying, possessing or dealing in arms, munitions, explosives and fire crackers without a licence.
Under the draft law on weapons, ammunitions and fire crackers, those who break the law will face up to 10 years in jail and a minimum fine of Dh15,000.
The right to possess and carry arms by people within the national territory is recognized, but with a licence and after adhering to the law.
The legislature demanded that only people aged 25 or more can obtain a licence to carry weapons, which was initially 21 years.
The house also turned down a clause that initially exempted the FNC members from obtaining a permit to carry arms.
Ahmad Bin Shabib, a member from Abu Dhabi, said he does not want to carry arms and "if there is a need I have to obtain a permit like other members of the public".
Sultan Bin Saqr Al Suwaidi, a legislator from Dubai, concurred and said this is not a privilege FNC members should seek.
Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, also demanded that a clause exempting ministers from obtaining a permit for carrying arms be removed.
The legislature gave the green light to removing all exemptions except for Rulers of the Emirates, their Crown Princes and Deputies and their sons.
According to the law, those permitted to possess arms, may not carry unconcealed weapons in public places, sports clubs, except for shooting clubs, public parties, conferences, industrial and oil production areas.
Fireworks may not be held without a permit, which is obviously a requirement for importation, production, storing, de-storing, transport and other services related to arms, munitions, explosives and fire crackers.
The law is applicable to factories of arms, explosives and fire crackers in free zones.
Anyone who commits the offence of dealing in, importing, exporting, manufacturing or attempting to smuggle weapons, munitions and explosives will face a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of not less than Dh15,000.
The penalty will be reduced to six months in jail and a minimum fine of Dh15,000 if the offence involves non-firearms.
Using any gas or air-compressed arms, electrical or antique arms to threaten people will carry a prison term or a fine.
Repairing arms without a permit or doing so for people who are not entitled to carry arms will carry up to one year in jail or a Dh10,000 fine or both.
In all cases, arms, explosives or crackers will be confiscated and expatriates convicted will be deported following serving their prison terms.
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