Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has signed a decree lifting a decade-long restriction on the public carrying of legally owned firearms, fulfilling a campaign promise to take a tougher approach to crime. The new decree allows Colombians with valid permits for registered firearms to carry their weapons outside their homes without seeking additional authorisation. De la Espriella defended the policy, saying law-abiding citizens should not be left defenceless while criminals possess illegal weapons. He stressed that the move does not amount to unrestricted access, as existing regulations on legal ownership and possession remain in place.
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