Firearms amnesty to wrap up

Czechs have less than two days to hand in unregistered weapons without fear of reprisals, under a firearms amnesty which began six months ago. The latest amnesty, the fourth since 1996, netted fewer illegally-held weapons than in the past: around 3,000. As always, some collectors’ items were among the items brought in.

Photo: ČT24

December 31st is the last day Czechs holding unregistered weapons will be able to bring them in without fear of repercussions under the firearms amnesty. As in the past, those with valid licenses to keep firearms will be able to legalize and keep the weapons after a police check ensures that they weren’t used to commit a crime. The fourth such amnesty in recent history, it is not surprising fewer firearms were netted this time around 3,000, less than half before. That doesn’t mean some interesting items weren’t brought in.

Police spokeswoman Petra Vedrová spoke to Czech Radio earlier:

“At the beginning of the amnesty, a Bren light machinegun which was used by Czechoslovak and British armies in World War II was brought in. We also saw a number of automatic weapons and someone even brought in the plastic explosive Semtex.”

The Police Presidium’s Milan Prchal reminded those potentially still holding firearms, it was a good idea to still bring them in – if they wanted them registered.

“After January 1st, it will still be the duty by law of anyone who ‘finds’ a weapon to hand it in and file a report. The difference is, if the weapon is cleared, they will no longer be able to register it themselves. They will have to give it up.”

He agreed some of the weapons brought in were rare, including one which he had never seen up close.

“I personally was most surprised that someone brought in a Protector palm pistol from the turn of the previous century. This is a true rarity.”

Photo: ČT24

Historic weapons produced before 1890, meanwhile, do not require a permit in the Czech Republic: if you inherit an historic item in your family, for example, it suffices to be 18 years of age. Otherwise, in the amnesties held until now, according to the Police Presidium, no weapons returned were found to have been used in crimes, although some items themselves had been stolen.