  Gun ownership
The right to bear armsUnlike most European countries Friland allows its citizens to carry a weapon (under certain conditions). The right to defend yourself and your family is considered a basic right that every free citizen is supposed to have. This so-called "wepanreht" (weapon right) receives remarkably few criticism, not even when a criminal uses his weapon to commit a crime. This is because the average Frilander believes that not the weapon but the person abusing it is responsible, and since there will always be criminals with (illegal) weapons, it's considered logical that law-abiding citizens are also allowed to carry a weapon to be able to protect themselves and others. Proponents of gun rights have united in the "Frilandiska Selbwartraust" (Frilandic Self-Defense League), opponents in the "Gagan-Wepan Farainigung" (Anti-Weapon Association). Military service Because every Frilander can receive a call to arms in case of war, the government stimulates citizens to take shooting lessons. When somebody reaches adulthood and is declared able-bodied, he or she is invited to the town hall and is loaned equipment and a weapon by the state for the duration of their military service. In Friland this moment is an important transfer ritual and therefore the family is invited to the ceremony as well; from that moment onwards someone is no longer a child but an adult man or woman with obligations to the community. After receiving a weapon the military or social service for that person usually starts. If someone opts for social service, the weapon is taken back after the ceremony. Mentality Many people who have never been to Friland associate gun ownership with cowboy-like, American predicament. In practice the Frilandic crime rate is lower than that of an average, gun free European country. Abusing a weapon equals abusing the trust that society has vested in you, offenders will therefore not only receive a high penalty but also lose their right to bear arms and the respect of their community, which makes them think twice before they use their weapon. Conditions Although carrying knives, daggers and small-arms with a permit is allowed, there are heavier restrictions for other types of firearms; for example, ownership and open carry of rifles and semi-automatic firearms. All weapons heavier than the afore-mentioned are restricted to government use. Non-lethal weapons like pepper spray, electroshock weapons and pistols with rubber bullets are also allowed, though to these the same rules apply as to regular firearms. Hiveria In Hiveria ownership of most weapons is prohibited for citizens. There are also restrictions for knives; kitchen knives with sharp tips for example, are not allowed to be sold and the free sale of letter openers is also criticised. Possession of firearms is only possible with a permit, for which very strict requirements apply.  |