Arms disagreements continue

[NewsWhore]

The Attorney General's office and the Ministry of Interior & Police don't seem to agree on the details of the holiday gun ban resolution. Yesterday Attorney General Radhames Jimenez Pena warned that any officer caught illegally impounding a gun would be dismissed, while adding that he supported the measure. Jimenez, however, voiced a different opinion to that of Interior and Police Minister Franklin Almeyda, by stating that the measure seeks to reduce the display of arms and not to disarm the public. But today Interior and Police Minister Franklin Almeyda said that police officers would impound guns if necessary, especially if owners don't have permits. However, bankers, messengers and currency exchange businesses have announced they will not give up their guns during the holiday ban, in fear for their safety. Exchange agent Edward Matos said that messengers and other people who deal with large amounts of money needed protection, not only when they are working, but also when they go home at night. Armed Forces Minister Pedro Pena Antonio said the measure was "hateful" but must be applied. He said the Armed Forces would help the police to implement the measure. Although the measure is intended to disarm the public and create a safer holiday environment, many feel that the rampant crime that has troubled the DR and unlicensed gun use by criminals makes it impossible for some to give up their guns and feel safe, especially if the criminals aren't giving up theirs. Diario Libre is reporting that the authorities have already impounded seven guns as a result of police raids in Santo Domingo.

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