Deputies to decide whether to liberalize gun law

If a new draft law just submitted to the Verkhovna Rada is passed, permits to own traumatic pistols will be available to anyone over 21 who has received a medical OK to obtain, hold and use such weapons.  Representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) are supporting the initiative on condition that there is thorough certification of the weapons.

The draft law broadens the number of social categories who will have the right to obtain, hold and use weapons in self-defence. Pistols and revolvers shooting non-fatal rubber bullets will be available to anybody over the age of 21.

At present the list of those who can hold these weapons is fairly restricted: civil servants, journalists, National Deputies, members of voluntary street patrols, law enforcement officers and members of their families.

In order to receive a gun permit, the draft law states that applicants will have to present medical certificates confirming that their state of health allows them to use guns to the police according to their place of residence, as well as other documents, confirming identity and payment of a fee.  Those getting a gun for the first time will also need to present a document confirming that they have become familiar with it and are able to use it.  The Ministry of Internal Affairs will be responsible for organizing tuition.

The bill has been drawn up by Vasyl Hrytsak from the Party of the Regions, Volodymyr Moisyk from Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defence and two Deputies from the Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko.

From a report at http://kommersant.ua/doc.html?docId=1117503