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Europe

Germany: AfD members banned from owning guns in new court ruling

2024-07-08

[Remix] A new court ruling in Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, bans Alternative for Germany (AfD) members from owning firearms. The judges from the Dusseldorf Administrative Court said their ruling was based on the classification of Germany’s domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), which listed the party as a "suspected" threat to democracy.
"Threat to Democracy." Where might we have heard such a notion previously ?
The case was initially brought by a married couple that owned over 200 firearms and held a legal permit to do so. Their permit was, however, revoked due to their membership in the AfD. The couple initially sued and lost this case. However, they have now also lost their appeal, as the court argues that members of the party are suspected of anti-constitutional activities and therefore "unreliable" based on current gun laws, according to the court.

The court’s ruling means the married couple must either hand over their firearms to the authorities or destroy them, as well as any ammunition. The husband owns 197 firearms, while the wife owns 27. However, the court is still allowing the case to move forward on appeal to the highest court in the state, the Munster Higher Administrative Court, "due to (the case’s) fundamental importance."

According to the latest court ruling, the judges said that the ban on weapons for AfD members does not violate the party privilege provided for in Article 21 of the German constitution, known as the Basic Law.

Earlier this year, that same Munster court already confirmed the BfV’s classification of the AfD as a "suspected threat" to democracy after the AfD challenged this classification.

Posted by:Besoeker

#8 Always a treat to read EC, but no good deed...

Mohammed applied for a Waffenbesitzkarte.
"Threatened? Yes, often."
Authorities found
That he'd thrown to the ground
His Koran.
"Denied! Want a free coffin?"

Posted by: Pancho Poodle8452 2024-07-08 19:07

#7 At the moment, court rulings seem to vary.

A gun ownership card (Waffenbesitzkarte) grants permission to purchase and possess firearms with specific details listed on the card. The card is issued by the relevant authority in different jurisdictions. It also specifies the permission to purchase and possess ammunition for the registered firearms. The possession of firearms is allowed for hunters, sport shooters, and individuals who can provide credible evidence of being at a greater risk of life-threatening attacks and can reduce the risk by possessing a firearm. However, the card only permits the purchase and possession of a weapon and does not allow carrying it in public.

To obtain the card, individuals must meet certain requirements, including being at least 18 years old, demonstrating reliability, suitability, expertise, and having appropriate liability insurance. Additionally, a plausible written justification for the need of a firearm is required.

For carrying a firearm in public places, a firearms license (Waffenschein) is necessary. It is only granted to individuals who can prove a legitimate need for it, such as those working in the security sector. However, the firearm can only be used in specific circumstances. Persons who can credibly demonstrate that their life and limb are also threatened outside their own home or business premises can also obtain a firearms license. The firearms license also authorizes the holder to acquire and possess a firearm. Shooting with a firearm must be applied for separately with a corresponding permit.

Posted by: European Conservative 2024-07-08 18:08

#6 Would amember of AfD be accepted into either of those categories, European Conservative? I am reminded of when Mr. Wife and I went to sign up for riding lessons at the Bad Soden a.T. stable, and were told that while he could have afternoon/evening lessons, my only possibility — as a Hausfrau — was in the morning, even though my personal choice was in the afternoon while my toddlers took a nap.

Posted by: trailing wife 2024-07-08 12:20

#5 If you're not a certified hunter or a member in a "Schützenverein", it's very difficult to legally own firearms in Germany.

Posted by: European Conservative 2024-07-08 10:04

#4 "Suspected" not "Proven"! Slippery slope!

Posted by: `AlmostAmonymous5839 2024-07-08 09:54

#3 Germany has no 2A.

Posted by: European Conservative 2024-07-08 09:54

#2 Adolph Hitler enters the chat.

Posted by: EMS Artifact 2024-07-08 09:18

#1 {sound of Democrats taking copious notes}

Posted by: Mercutio 2024-07-08 08:35

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