Venezuela: 180-day firearm ban

Event

The Venezuelan government announced on Tuesday, May 2, the introduction of a 180-day nationwide ban on the carrying of firearms in public. The announcement comes amid a wave of violent protests and associated looting that have left at least 29 people dead - most from gunshot wounds - and hundreds injured since early April. However, further details regarding the measure have not been released.

Context

The ongoing wave of protests, launched in early April, remains marred by often deadly clashes. Both sides have accused the other of being responsible for the violence, the government claiming the opposition is supporting right-wing “terrorists” and attempting to carry out a “coup d’état,” while the opposition blames security forces and pro-government militias for the majority of the violence.

Demonstrators are denouncing a wide range of grievances as well as demanding elections be held. Venezuela has been devastated by a long series of crises affecting the restive country in recent months and years, including a breakdown of the democratic system, major shortages of gasoline, medications, food, and other basic necessities, an alarming spike in rates of violent crime, massive inflation and economic recession, and a resurgence of disease. The protests have virtually paralyzed Caracas, with many schools closed amid the violence and roads blocked by protesters and government forces and the metro system shut down on numerous occasions.

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to adhere to all local legislation, to strictly avoid all protests and roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, and to closely monitor the situation.