Grenada elevates firearm offences to same level as murder and treason
The government of Grenada has revised its Firearm Act, elevating firearm-related offences to the same level as murder and treason.
Attorney General Claudette Joseph announced that starting July 30, magistrates will no longer be authorized to issue bail for those charged under the Firearm Act. These offences are now considered "very serious," requiring a judge's approval for bail, similar to murder and treason cases.
Joseph explained that the new penalties reflect the seriousness of firearm offences, necessitating judicial intervention for bail.
The Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) 2024 extends the list of non-bailable offences to include those under the Firearms Act, punishable by five years or more in prison.
Joseph emphasized that firearm-related offences are now classified as non-bailable. This amendment comes amid a surge in firearm offences in Grenada, with 35 firearms confiscated by police between January and June 2024.
