The Ministry of Internal Affairs has eliminated the clause which previously allowed individuals in positions of public authority to acquire a permit to possess a firearm without undergoing a medical examination or receiving training. This change is reflected in the updated version of the project to amend the law on civilian firearms and ammunition, as reported by IPN.
Initially, the project provided for an exception that would exempt officials from the obligation to present a medical certificate and undergo the necessary training to obtain a permit. This provision sparked critical reactions from some politicians and civic organizations, who warned of the danger of legalizing preferential treatment in areas related to public safety.
According to the Ministry of Interior (MAI), the revised text no longer contains this exception. All applicants, regardless of their position, will be subject to the same rules regarding medical evaluation and mandatory training in the use of firearms.
The amendment project also includes other rules, such as the prohibition of access to weapons for individuals domiciled in Transnistria or involved in unconstitutional structures, as well as the restriction of non-lethal weapons acquisition by foreign citizens.
MAI argues that the changes are necessary in order to strengthen control over civilian weapons and to align national legislation with European standards. The document is currently in the stage of interinstitutional review and public consultation. The Ministry encourages all interested parties to submit proposals and objections until the final version is completed.
