Interior Ministry submits bill regulating acoustic, electroshock and gas devices

Georgia’s Interior Ministry has submitted legislative amendments to parliament aimed at tightening regulations on acoustic weapons, electroshock devices and gas aerosol sprays, according to a statement released by the ministry.

Under the draft:

• Acoustic (sound) weapons designed exclusively for firing blank rounds and used in theatre, film, television, historical reenactments, parades and sporting events will require an import permit.
  Private individuals will be able to purchase such devices only with prior written approval issued by a territorial unit of the Interior Ministry. Existing rules on transportation and shipment - which also require police authorisation - remain unchanged. Police will additionally be authorised to set limits on the quantity of such devices and the frequency of their purchase.
  
  

• Gas aerosol devices (pepper spray) will require an import permit.
  Purchase will be allowed only for individuals aged 18 and over, and only upon submission of written approval from a territorial police unit.
  
  

• Electroshock devices will be banned from civilian circulation.
  Only administrative agencies and private security organisations will be allowed to import and use them for the fulfilment of their official duties.
  
  

The ministry said the amendments were intended to strengthen public safety, protect public order and enhance crime prevention.