No firearm can be bought over the counter by people without a license in Belgium as from Friday, when a new firearm law is to come into force.

The new legislation got a speedy approval in the national parliament following the racially motivated killings last month in Antwerp when a 18-year-old man killed two people and wounded another with his newly-bought gun.

The draft law was drawn up by Belgian Justice Minister Laurette Onkelinx and intends to tighten the firearm legislation in the country.

Sport and hunting firearms can currently be bought over the counter by any adult with proof of age and identity.

The buyer's details have to be noted by the vendor and passed on to the police. The buyer is therefore not screened before purchasing a firearm.

Under the new law, however, a screening process will be carried out before a five-year license can be issued to the person concerned.

Source: Xinhua