A knife fight at a shopping center in Melbourne has led the state of Victoria, Australia, to expedite a controversial ban on the sale of knives, marking a historic first for the country.
According to the BBC, the ban will be implemented in Victoria starting this Wednesday, rather than in September as originally planned.
This decision follows a violent altercation between two gangs at the Northland shopping center on Sunday afternoon, which left a 20-year-old man in serious condition in the hospital.
In connection with the incident, two teenagers, aged 16 and 15, have been charged with assault, intentional injury, and possession and use of a controlled weapon. Additionally, two men, aged 20 and 18, were arrested and are currently being questioned. All four were already known to law enforcement.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are anticipated.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, emphasized that the ban aims to “stifle supply.”
Regarding the brawl, police described it as “a premeditated fight between rival youth gangs with no innocent bystanders injured.” They noted that while such events are rare in Victoria, they can be alarming.
Earlier in March, Victoria announced updates to its gun control laws, making it illegal to sell or possess knives with blades longer than 20 centimeters, although kitchen knives are excluded for now.
A three-month amnesty period will commence in September, allowing individuals to turn in large knives at designated police stations without penalty.
However, some crime experts argue that such bans will have minimal impact on crime rates, asserting that it is not the weapons themselves that commit crimes, but rather the individuals wielding them. They contend that addressing the issue as a societal concern, rather than relying on simple solutions, is crucial to keep law-abiding citizens safe from those who disregard legalities and will always find ways to arm themselves.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
