China’s Supreme People’s Court has reinforced its commitment to stringent firearm and explosive control, highlighting the judiciary’s dedication to eradicating gun-related threats and ensuring public safety. In a recent announcement, the court unveiled six pivotal cases to underscore the necessity of combating gun-related crimes, particularly those involving modified weapons. The court has urged judges across the nation to prioritize the protection of citizens’ lives and property. The court emphasized that firearms, ammunition, and explosives can exacerbate criminal activities, potentially leading to severe violent incidents and widespread public fear. It stressed the importance of rigorous control over such items and a firm judicial stance against related offenses. The disclosed cases primarily involved nail guns, which have increasingly been modified into firearms in certain regions, resulting in serious injuries. Nail guns, commonly used in construction and renovation, are designed to drive fasteners into materials using compressed air, gas, or electricity. However, their ease of modification has led to their misuse as firearms, posing significant public safety risks. In one notable case, two hardware store operators in Qidong, Jiangsu province, knowingly modified and sold nail guns equipped with metal plates, enabling them to fire metal projectiles. The pair sold 36 such devices, earning a profit of 16,324 yuan ($2,290). The local court classified the modified nail guns as firearms under the Criminal Law, sentencing one defendant to 11 years and the other to 12 years in prison. The Supreme People’s Court affirmed that the ruling reflects the judiciary’s unwavering stance against firearm-related crimes, aiming to prevent gun violence, enhance public safety, and maintain social stability. While the court advocates severe penalties for such offenses, it also noted that individuals who collect firearms as a hobby and voluntarily surrender them may receive leniency if they have not engaged in illegal activities or caused harm. The court further encouraged public awareness and reporting of gun-related information to law enforcement.
