gun licences — gun licences — Cyprus is set to introduce stricter regulations concerning hunting licences, directly impacting those convicted of domestic violence and drug-related offences. Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis announced that the Cabinet approved a bill last Wednesday, which seeks to enhance public safety by expanding the criteria for revoking firearm ownership rights.
Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of domestic violence or violence against women will immediately lose their existing hunting firearm licence and be barred from obtaining a new one. This measure also applies to those who violate the terms of medical and industrial cannabis cultivation licences. A conviction for either of these offences will result in a 10-year prohibition on firearm possession.
“It makes no sense for someone to be convicted of violence against their spouse or partner and at the same time continue to hold a hunting firearm licence or have the right to obtain such a licence,” Hartsiotis stated in an interview with Phileleftheros.
The bill is now awaiting parliamentary debate and vote, signalling a significant shift in how Cyprus addresses firearm licensing, particularly in relation to domestic violence and drug offences. Previously, the Chief of Police had the discretion to review an individual’s firearms possession status when involved in violence cases. This new legislation will enforce automatic revocation, eliminating any discretionary review.
Statistics indicate a pressing need for these changes, as Cyprus ranks fifth globally in gun ownership per capita, with about 100,000 hunting firearms currently held by licensed hunters. The increase in gun ownership has raised concerns regarding safety, particularly in instances of domestic violence.
Current regulations stipulate that to obtain a hunting firearm licence, applicants must be over the age of 18 and not classified as dangerous to themselves or others. They must also have no history of serious criminal convictions, including rape, homicide, or robbery. Additionally, individuals who have been exempted from military service due to mental health issues are also disqualified from obtaining a licence.
The proposed changes come at a time when the European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Cyprus and three other member states, citing failures to correctly implement European firearms legislation. This directive aims to ensure safety standards are met and to curb illegal arms trafficking. Member states now have a two-month window to rectify identified deficiencies or face further action from the Commission.
