After the Christchurch terror attack that killed 50 people in 2 mosques, New Zealand bans the sale of assault and semi-automatic rifles. The Christchurch terror attack is the country’s worst ever terror attack.
On Thursday, PM Jacinda Ardern said that this is just the start of the work that they are doing to enhance the safety in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Jacinda said, “It’s in the national interest and it’s about safety … to prevent an act of terror from ever happening again in our country.”
Prime Minster Jacinda said that the law will take place by 11 April 2019 and they are currently working on a buy-back scheme for the banned weapons.
The Prime Minister added, “Now, six days after this attack, we are announcing a ban on all military-style semi-automatics (MSSA) and assault rifles in New Zealand.”
PM Adern said that the man arrested in the Christchurch terror attacks bought the weapons he used legally, she added that he enhanced the capacity of a weapon by using 30 round magazines though an online purchase.
The shooter used related parts to convert the guns into MSSA’s, which are also being banned in the country along with all high capacity gun magazines.
PM Adern said that all semi-automatic rifles are going to be banned in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Adern said that the interim measures that were announced on Thursday will stop the purchases of guns before the legislation and will take effect on April 11, 2019.
But, there are going to be limited exemptions for farmers in New Zealand, many of them need firearms for pest control and management of their livestock.