Brasília, May 11, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Disarmament Statute was sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on December 22, 2003. The statute regulates the registration, possession, and sale of firearms in Brazil and establishes heavier penalties for crimes involving firearms.

In accordance with the Disarmament Statute, crimes such as the illegal bearing and possession of firearms, random discharge of firearms on a public thoroughfare, and arms trafficking and smuggling are subject to penalties ranging from 2-12 years and, in some cases, are ineligible for bail. The goal is to reduce arms circulation in the country, as well as cutting off the sources that supply organized crime.

In October, 2005, there will be a general referendum for the population to decide whether it is in favor of prohibiting the sale of firearms. The definitive prohibition of arms production will also be considered.

Translator: David Silberstein