Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - The domestic policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group, Guido Kosmehl, rejects a tightening of gun laws suggested by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD). In his view, the consequence of the known intentions to overthrow so-called Reich citizens must be a more consistent implementation of the applicable weapons law, explained Kosmehl in Magdeburg. In addition, better data exchange between courts, police authorities and public prosecutors' offices is necessary.
Local weapons authorities would have to be strengthened in terms of personnel and technology so that they could adequately control the license holders. "In addition, the responsible authorities need the necessary knowledge to be able to identify Reich citizens and other extremists and act quickly," said Kosmehl.
The FDP politician also warned against putting hunters and marksmen under general suspicion. "The Federal Ministry of the Interior's project is evidence of a general distrust of hunters and sports shooters. The vast majority of gun owners are extremely law-abiding." A danger is more likely to come from illegal firearms, for which a tightening of gun laws is ineffective.
After the large-scale raid on a "Reich Citizens" network in mid-December, the Federal Minister of the Interior announced that she would continue the "tough course against enemies of the state". She campaigned for a tightening of gun laws. Extremists should be deprived of their weapons. If someone becomes conspicuous, it must be checked whether the person owns a weapon. In addition, people with a gun license should be checked regularly.
