The Cuban government announced on Wednesday the enactment of a new decree-law aimed at tightening the control and oversight of firearms, accessories, and ammunition throughout the country. As outlined during the Council of State meeting, this regulation seeks to strengthen supervisory measures in alignment with international agreements advocated by the United Nations, according to a report on the National Assembly of People's Power website.
Justice Minister Oscar Manuel Silvera defended the measure, emphasizing the need to refine existing regulations to ensure more effective control of weapons on the island. In addition to this, another legal provision was passed to amend Decree-Law 344, which pertains to the special social security regime for the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
According to official sources, the announcement of these regulations is part of broader discussions and measures considered during the ordinary session of the Council of State. During this session, officials evaluated the Government Program designed to address economic distortions, as well as recommendations related to territorial management. The approval of new regulations, including the decree on firearms and ammunition, was part of a broader agenda focused on reinforcing the regime's control and the organization of strategic sectors.
In June 2024, the Cuban government acknowledged a troubling rise in violence on the island, including the use of firearms. National Revolutionary Police Chief, First Colonel Eddy Sierra Arias, attributed this phenomenon to smuggling, drug trafficking, and a decline in ethical values within society. A recent incident in Camagüey highlighted this issue when a worker from the Wholesale Agricultural Products Company was fatally shot while guarding a food warehouse intended for the basic goods basket. This crime underscores the growing wave of violent robberies in Cuba, exacerbated by the economic crisis and a scarcity of essential resources.
In another alarming event, a violent armed robbery in Havana was caught on video as two criminals, one wielding a long gun, stole a motorcycle from a delivery driver. This incident sparked concern among residents who fear that the circulation of high-caliber firearms is becoming more prevalent on the island. Additionally, in Matanzas, police seized a homemade shotgun from a man with a criminal record for serious offenses. This discovery adds to other similar cases where homemade weapons have been found in various provinces, revealing how some individuals manage to access arms despite strict government regulations.
A recent operation in Havana allowed authorities to confiscate an arsenal from a residence in Arroyo Naranjo, where shotguns, cartridges, and knives were uncovered. This case illustrates that far from being isolated incidents, the illegal possession of weapons is becoming an alarming trend in the country.
Understanding Cuba's New Firearms Regulations
What is the purpose of the new decree-law on firearms in Cuba?
The new decree-law aims to enhance the control and supervision of firearms, accessories, and ammunition in Cuba, aligning with international agreements promoted by the United Nations.
How has the Cuban government addressed the rise in violence?
The government has acknowledged the increase in violence and attributed it to factors like smuggling, drug trafficking, and declining societal values. New regulations are part of efforts to address these issues.
What recent incidents highlight the firearms issue in Cuba?
Recent incidents include a fatal shooting in Camagüey and a violent armed robbery in Havana, both of which underscore the growing threat of illegal firearms on the island.