Second part of Freetom‘s interview with Czech gun owners focuses on practicalities of concealed carry and also touches on the issue of government supported training of armed civilians in order to strengthen internal security.
Background
Freetom is an Italian youtuber who visited the Czech Republic in order to learn about laws and practicalities of firearm ownership. The Czech Republic has the longest history of civilian firearms possession with roots in the medieval Hussite wars. Starting in 1419, the Czech Crown lands were being invaded by crusader armies from all around Europe, relying mostly on standard medieval tactics and cold weapons. Facing professional warriors, Czech forces comprised primarily of commoners’ militia which heavily relied on use of firearms.
Civilian firearms possession became a matter of course throughout and after the Hussite wars. In 1517, a de facto constitution proclaimed that “all people of all standing have the right to keep firearms at home“. With exception of period of Nazi occupation and Communist dictatorship, the Czechs have always enjoyed the right to keep and bear arms.
Today, some 310.000 people in the country have firearms license, of which over 250.000 have license for protection of life, health and property which allows them to carry a concealed firearm.
Interviewing Czech gun owners
Tomasso interviews Czech minority gun owners: women, immigrants and LGBT. The first part of the interview focuses on general issues concerning concealed carry, as explained by medical professional Tereza and language teacher/photographer Elen.
The second part (below) goes into greater detail regarding practical and legal issues of concealed carry.
Šadi Diab is an immigrant with Arabic-Slavic roots who has for years worked in a gun shop. Having acquired Czech citizenship, he now works for law enforcement as a K9 officer. With vast professional experience in the field, Šadi explains various considerations regarding concealed carry.
Lance’s interview focuses more on societal and historical aspects of Czech civilian firearms possession.
In the closing part, Tomasso again talks to Tereza. This time about government supported training of armed civilians for the purposes of internal security, which was introduced in the beginning of 2021 mainly as a response to a wave of Islamic terror attacks throughout Europe. The courses focus on active killer response, CQB as well as other advanced shooting drills. Tereza explains why she chose to join the course and shows her private gear and armaments.
Zbrojnice.com
Zbrojnice.com is a website focusing on practical, legal, cultural and societal issues of civilian firearms possession. Second main focus of the website concerns Czech laws on self defense. Vast majority of content is in Czech language.
If you want to learn more about firearms in the Czech Republic, you can start with the following Wikipedia articles in English:
- History of Czech civilian firearms possession
- Gun law in the Czech Republic
- Self-defence law (Czech Republic)
You may also find interesting the following interviews in English that deal mostly with firearms possession in other European countries.
Interviews:
- Jim Smith: Legally armed and properly trained populace assist the government with safety and stability
- Pia Clerté: It is not possible to have any tool for the purpose of self-defense in Sweden
- Vítor Teixeira: The gradual erosion of gun rights in Portugal since 2006
- Hans Deutsch: Possession and carrying of firearms for protection is considered a taboo in Germany
- Mike Lindsay: Having any tool for purpose of self-defense is a crime in the UK
- Callum Long-Collins: A man whose guns were confiscated for committing a thought-crime
- Tomasz W. Stępień: In Firearms United we expect the EU to go hard after legal gun owners in 2020
- MEP Dita Charanzová: I don’t understand how the EU Commission managed to avoid responsibility for its past failure to deliver legislation on deactivation of firearms
- Shane Jones: South Carolina church armed security volunteer
