Russia tightens gun control laws

In Russia, it will be prohibited to issue licenses for the acquisition of guns to citizens with two or more convictions and those detained for drunk driving. State Duma deputies made changes to the federal law "On weapons" in the first reading. The ban will also apply to persons subjected to administrative punishment for drunk driving, transferring control of their vehicle to a drunk driver, or refusing to undergo a medical examination for intoxication (before the expiration of the administrative punishment).

State Duma deputy from Bashkortostan Rafael Mardanshin believes that the proposed restrictive measures will prevent crimes and offenses committed with the use of guns and prevent the entry of firearms into illegal circulation.

"A person who owns a gun in the Russian Federation must be an adequate, mentally healthy, balanced, and law-abiding citizen who respects the rights and freedom of a person", the deputy is sure.

Owners of weapons are also obliged to notify Rosgvardia about the acquisition, availability, sale and donation of decommissioned weapons, as well as inform Rosgvardia about the facts of loss or theft of their weapons.

The bill provides a ban on the distribution in the media and the Internet of instructions for the manufacture, conversion, or restoration of firearms. Currently, this rule only applies to instructions for homemade explosives and explosive devices.