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US-led coalition to impose prison term, fines on Iraqis with heavy weapons
BAGHDAD (AFP) Jun 02, 2003
 Iraqis who keep possession of heavy or automatic weapons are now liable to one year in jail and a 1,000-dollar fine, the US army said in a pamphlet issued Monday.

The pamphlet, signed by coalition ground forces commander Lieutenant General David McKiernan, warned that "any person violating the ruling on the possession of weapons is liable to one year in prison and a fine of 1,000 dollars."

Those without permits will be allowed to keep small arms in their homes and workplaces for self-defence, but they will not be allowed to take them outside.

The coalition has announced a ban on all heavy weapons, explosives and automatic weapons firing ammunition larger than 7.62 millimetres.

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