The civilian population in Ecuador will be able to carry a weapon for their personal defense as long as they obtain an authorization after meeting certain requirements, the government said on Monday, while citizens are divided over the measure that seeks to curb growing crime in the Andean country.
The conservative president Guillermo Lasso authorized the possession and carrying of weapons over the weekend for civilian use for personal defense, as well as pepper sprays, as a measure against the insecurity that plagues Ecuador.
Lasso has been fighting rising crime and violence on the streets and in jails, which the government blames on drug gangs. Hundreds of prisoners have died after fights in prisons and deaths from violence have risen in the last year.
“This is a controlled carrying of weapons, with authorization, with requirements,” Security Secretary Diego Ordóñez told a local channel. “The population is not being armed, the possibility is being given for those who can carry a weapon to do so in compliance with the requirements.”
People over the age of 25, with no criminal record and who pass a psychological test will be authorized to carry a weapon in the country, according to the decree signed by Lasso on Saturday.
Several universities in the country posted on Twitter their rejection of the measure, arguing that it could generate even more violence in the South American country and asked the government for public policies that promote peace.
“It is somewhat illogical for the president to take such a drastic and radical measure,” said Franco Carrión, 30. “People are going to get out of control and start killing themselves.”
“Instead of contributing you are fomenting violence in the social environment for people,” he said.
In the city of Guayaquil, one of the most violent in Ecuador, the homicide rate stood at 17.43 per 100,000 inhabitants in the first three months of the year, which implies an increase of 69% compared to the same period of the year. above, according to official data.
“Somehow it will contain crime and the citizen will be protected in some way,” said Miguel Rodríguez, a 69-year-old private employee. “It’s a good proposition.”
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