New Brazilian president moves to return gun rights to the people

By Chris Eger

Bolsonaro, who picked up 55 percent of the vote in Brazil’s latest presidential election, has used his newfound power up repeal gun laws in the country. (Photo: Bolsonaro’s official social media)
The new president of the world’s fifth largest country by population is looking to combat Brazil’s high murder rate by cutting back regulations on personal gun ownership.
Jair Bolsonaro, 63, who assumed office as the 38th President of Brazil after winning election last year with the support of his conservative party, announced Tuesday he was relaxing the country’s strict gun regulations. Brazil has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the world, while the country of over 200 million inhabitants at the same time also has one of the highest murder rates.
“For a long time, it was up to the state to determine who had the right to defend himself, his family and his property,” said Bolsonaro in a statement on his popular social media accounts, followed by over 12 million supporters. “Today… we return to Brazilian citizens the freedom to decide.”
Although the country is home to one of the largest handgun makers in the world, Taurus, private ownership of legal pistols and revolvers is rare due to tight regulations.

Source: Guns.com