Serbia unveils new measures following two mass shootings

Following the two mass shootings that shocked Serbia last week, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić presented several new steps that came into effect on Monday, including an illegal weapons amnesty.

Following the mass shooting by a 13-year-old in Belgrade that took the lives of eight people, another one was committed by a 21-year-old near Mladenovaa a little over a day later.

Under the new measures presented by the president, any weapons, ammunition or explosive devices can be given to the nearest police station, including without having to leave one’s home. People who own unregistered weapons can call the nearest police station and ask for a patrol to collect them without showing identification.

“We stress that during this period, up to 8 June, citizens who hand over weapons will not bear any criminal responsibility nor consequence. The origin of the weapons does not have to be proven, or any documentation presented”, the Ministry said in a written statement.

Vučić said that about 400,000 people have handguns or other weapons not related to hunting.

“Everyone’s licence will be revised, and not more than 40,000 shall remain. Those who keep guns will have to go through checks every six months, doctor’s and psychiatrist’s appointments and mandatory drug tests that they will be informed about only 48 hours prior,” Vučić added.

While Serbia’s Justice Ministry will prepare the amendments to the current law to ensure unlawful production, ownership, carrying or selling of weapons or explosive materials is tightened, the ministries of internal affairs and health will outline a plan for mandatory examinations of gun owners.

Meanwhile, protesters staged the “Serbia against violence” protest in downtown Belgrade, with organisers calling for a ban on violent TV programmes and for parliament to hold an urgent debate on the security situation in the country.

Protesters also called for Internal Affairs Minister Bratislav Gašić and chief of BIA, Aleksandar Vulin, to be replaced. Education Minister Branko Ružić already handed in his resignation.

Similar protests were held in Novi Sad, Zrenjanin and other cities.

(EURACTIV.rs | Bojana Zimonjić Jelisavac)