Alexander Darakhvelidze, Deputy Interior Minister, introduced the amendments to the Law on Weapons and the deriving legal package to the Economic Policy Committee for the I reading.

According to the reporter, the amendments will apply to the purchase, possession, carrying, manufacture, transportation, and sale of electroshock devices, gas aerosol devices (commonly known as pepper spray), and sound (acoustic) weapons. He noted that under the current legislation, individuals of any age are allowed to purchase and carry such devices, and no mechanisms exist for their registration or control. According to the Deputy Minister, there are frequent cases in which minors use these devices unlawfully in schools or public parks.

Under the amendments, natural persons and legal entities will be able to purchase such devices only after obtaining a prior permit from the police, based on specific justification.

According to the draft law, the import, manufacture (production), repair, import-export, re-export, or trade of gas aerosol devices and sound (acoustic) weapons will be subject to the relevant licensing and permit requirements established by Georgian legislation. The Committee approved the Draft.