1,575 Deaths Caused by Individual Armament in 2017

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Ahead of September 28 , Individual Disarmament Day, Umut Foundation has issued a report of the statistics they had been keeping based on observations of the national and local press.

According to the report, until September 22, 2017, 1,575 people have lost their lives in 2,525 firearm incidents. Last year, there were 990 cases of murder by personal firearms. This year, this number has increased by 27%.

In addition to report on individual armament, Umut Foundation also organizes yearly contests on various scientific and art topics since its establishment in 1993 in order to ensure the creation and implementation of new suggestions, approaches and creative ideas for the solution of the individual armament by examining the approaches of the researchers, artists and journalists.

This year's topic is "Hand written letters" and the award will be presented to its winner on September 28 , Individual Disarmament Day.

"2,525 firearm incidents"

The foundation reports that there are 25 million personal firearms in Turkey 85% of which are unregistered.

According to the report

* In 2016 there were 990 cases of murder committed by personal firearms.

* Until September 22, 2017, 1,575 people have lost their lives and 2,670 people were injured in 2,525 firearm incidents.

"Use of firearms increased by 3,08%"

The report also states that until September 22, 2017, firearms were used in 79,76% of these incidents linked to personal armament and in 20,24% of the cases, sharp objects were used. This indicates an increase by 3.08% in use of firearms in personal violence and an increase by 5.76% compared to 2015. (BK/DG)