Samurai Swords To Be Banned In The UK
by KJ Mullins.
The British government announced on Wednesday that the sale of samurai swords would be banned in England and Wales. This comes on the heels of a number of high profile attacks.
The
Home Office said that come April the swords will not be allowed to be imported, sold or hired after being added to the Offensive Weapons Order.
Those who are true collectors of the genuine Japanese swords and those used by enthusiasts of the martial arts would be exempt from the ban.
"In the wrong hands, samurai swords are dangerous weapons," Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said.
"We recognize it is the cheap, easily available samurai swords which are being used in crime and not the genuine more expensive samurai swords which are of interest to collectors and martial arts enthusiasts."
While it's true that the swords are not used that often in crimes the Association of Chief Police Officers said they have been used in significant incidents.
Carrying the
sword is already outlawed in England. The offense carries a up to a four year sentence.
Samurai Swords To Be Banned In The UK
Email
Print
Share
del.icio.us
facebook
newsvine
reddit
stumbleupon
technorati