Almost 13,500 different guns, mines and explosive devices have been handed over to Serbian authorities, in the first week after President Aleksandar Vučić announced the month-long gun amnesty, following two shocking mass shootings in the country, where a total of 18 people were killed and 21 were injured.
The president seemed intent to carry out with this decision, which earned him some praise, particularly from abroad. Within the country, however, Serbs are not yet sure what lies behind Vučić’s promise of “a sharp response, urgent measures and severe penalties” to tackle gun crime.
Moreover, Vučić has pledged a two-year moratorium on new gun licenses, a review of current licenses, more psychological checks, 1,200 extra police officers in schools, and longer jail terms for gun crimes and illegal weapon possession.
British daily “The Guardian” recently published an article on the matter, analyzing the situation in a country “where war criminals are glorified”.
Citizens, writes “The Guardian” have shown support of the measures, as they claim there is too much violence that must be addressed. Thousands took to the streets of Belgrade last week, to demand the resignation of the interior minister and an end to what is perceived as a culture of violence fanned by the media and ruling party politicians, casting doubts if the president’s pledge to “disarm” the country will be enough.
Calling the Serbian president, a populist, pro-Kremlin authoritarian whose political roots are in far-right nationalism, “The Guardian” reminds that Vučić briefly served as the information minister under the Serb leader Slobodan Milošević, who in fact, died during his trial for war crimes.
There is no clear number as to how many guns there are in Serbia, where mass shootings are rare, despite ready access to weapons. Citizens have until June 8th to surrender all illegally owned guns, otherwise they face penalties.
