Australia: 26,000 firearms recovered in gun amnesty program after landmark mass shooting in 1996
Australians have handed in about 26,000 firearms in the nation’s first gun amnesty since its landmark response to a mass shooting in 1996.
The amnesty began on July the 1st to help counter a growing terrorist threat and an influx of arms in the country. It is illegal to own an unregistered firearm in Australia.
Those caught outside the amnesty period face fines of up to 225,000 dollars and up to 14 years in jail.
The current programme, running until September the 30th, means Australians can surrender unregistered firearms and related items without fear of prosecution.
