A trip to our Czech neighbours brings a surprise. At the Asia Bazar, knives flash between the fake bags and shirts. The Austrian gun law is already considered liberal, but in the Czech Republic there are even fewer rules than here.
The recent Munich case shows how easily weapons are available to teenagers, with an 18-year-old radical Islamist from Salzburg buying a World War II carbine from a collector in his childhood bedroom to kill in Germany, despite the official gun ban. Just over an hour’s drive from Vienna, just across the Czech border, lies a gun enthusiast’s paradise.
Hide test purchases
The “Krone” made hidden test purchases in Family City (formerly Excalibur City), where the Iron Curtain once separated East and West: here, so the rumor goes, gangs stock up on stabbing weapons and firearms – knives that are often found in Vienna are assured. While minors can easily buy butterfly knives in the federal capital, some thugs use the opportunity to stock up on even sharper weapons from their neighbors.
Stallholders compete for customers
Through the amusement park we reach the Asia Bazar, which is just coming to life in the morning. Stallholders compete for customers. Swords, machetes, stilettos, brass knuckles and air rifles are mixed with car rims, perfume, mobile phone accessories, fake bags and shirts. The market is firmly in Vietnamese hands. Our interest is in sharp knives.
The salesman shows us stilettos, handles folding telescopic batons and even offers us an electric shock. Action is obligatory, and last but not least the concerned Asian with the friendly smile produces ballpoint pens with integrated knives like in a James Bond film. He puts everything in a plastic bag and a 14-year-old student who is taking the test with us pays. Many things, such as a telescopic stick, throwing stars, ballpoint pens etc. are prohibited here.
Guns look like toys
We think a German-speaking family is having a good time here. Her little boy’s eyes light up at the sight of the toy-like weapons. The man asks if the knives are suitable for women, the stallholder nods kindly.
The products are not considered weapons here at the border in the Czech Republic in the sense of the local weapons law. On our return journey, random checks will take place at the Kleinhaugsdorf border crossing. Our small arsenal of weapons remains unnoticed.
Blackjacks, brass knuckles, stilettos
Although the Czech Republic and Austria are part of the European Union, their gun laws could not be more different. In addition to firearms, weapons in this country include stilettos, folding knives, butterfly knives, rapiers, daggers, clay targets, pepper spray and tasers. These can be purchased legally, but only from the age of 18.
In the Czech Republic, things are different. The above items are not covered by the Arms Act, which means that they can be bought by anyone at any time. Even the telescopic batons, better known as blackjacks, and the knuckle dusters, which are banned in our country, are freely available in the neighboring country. For comparison: in Germany, Switzerland and Great Britain, butterfly and stilettos are banned, with a few exceptions.
Complaint is imminent
The fact that you can legally buy these weapons in the Czech Republic does not mean that you can take them across the border. If a check is carried out and the prohibited weapons are discovered, they will not only be confiscated, but a report will also be filed for violation of the Arms Act.
Buying illegal weapons from abroad via the internet is also punishable. But this is even more difficult to control.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
