SANTO DOMINGO. – Dominican and international experts agreed on the need to modify Law 36 on owning and carrying guns, to heighten controls in the issuing of permits.

The experts spoke in a seminar organized by the organization Latin American Social Sciences Faculty (FLACSO), to analyze the gravity and consequences of heavy and light weapons in civilians’ hands and their indiscriminate use in criminal actions.  They also reviewed the legislation on the matter and made it clear that it needs modifying.

Some of the panelists feel that in view of the increase in violent crimes involving the use of guns, the authorities must apply stricter  controls in their use and possession.

In addition to these measures, the FLACSO feels that drastic sanctions must be applied against those who carry guns illegally.

For years many groups in Dominican society, the Catholic Church among them, have demanded tougher controls against having guns.