Festive firing killed three, injured 41 so far this year — PSD

AMMAN — Three people have been killed and 41 injured by festive firing so far this year, the Public Security Department (PSD) said Wednesday. 

A total of 21 cases have been registered this year against anonymous assailants, where shooters could not be identified, according to a PSD statement.

Combating festive firing is a joint responsibility of all public, private, academic and religious institutions, the statement quoted PSD Director Gen. Tawfiq Tawalbeh as saying at the opening of a symposium on festive firing organised by the PSD’s Strategic and Security Studies Centre.

Tawalbeh said this phenomenon threatens the lives of citizens and affects public safety, adding that those who practise festive firing should be held accountable on social, legal and security grounds.

He noted that the PSD has taken preventive and administrative measures and conducted regular security campaigns to regulate the ownership of firearms and curb their illegal usage, according to the statement.

Tawalbeh also stressed that media outlets, religious institutions, educational institutes and local community leaders can play an important role in raising public awareness to fight the phenomenon, noting that their efforts will support the PSD’s measures.

A new draft firearms and ammunition law prepared by the government last year seeks to limit citizens’ ownership of weapons of all types, with exceptions made for security and military personnel.

The draft law also includes a ban on weapons being carried during official or public celebrations, such as protests, weddings and funerals, and it applies to any gathering of 10 or more people.

Based on a recommendation from the interior minister, the Cabinet will have the authority to designate certain areas of the Kingdom as “arms-free zones”, according to the draft law.

The bill also seeks to set stricter legal punishments against violators, with a view to reducing weapon-related crimes and injuries across Jordan.