MOSCOW, January 15 (Itar-Tass) — The State Duma lower house of the Russian parliament may pass a bill tightening control over weapons turnover as early as this spring, one of the authors of the new document, chairwoman of the house committee for security and combating corruption Irina Yarovaya told reporters on Tuesday.
In her opinion, the kindergarten shooting incident in Bashkortostan on Monday is yet another proof of the fact that the more the weapons spread, the more chances that they wind up in the hands of inadequate people. The changing psychological status of a person is an issue which is actually out of anyone's control in any way," Yarovaya said.
"I believe our proposals to tighten control over weapons turnover and medical examination – though not offering complete guarantee – can partially avoid tragedies where weapons might be used. We're awaiting the government’s opinion regarding this legislative initiative and very much hope that the State Duma will be able to pass the lawbill during the spring session," she added.
In November, the document was approved by the Supreme Court. The authors of the lawbill suggested banning the carrying of weapons for citizens in a state of alcoholic or narcotic intoxication. The fine might amount to 2,000 to 5,000 for citizens and 10,000 to 15,000 roubles for officials. A court may strip the culprit of the right to purchase, keep and carry a firearm for a period of six months to one year.
It is proposed to raise the age at which a person can buy a gun to 21 from the current 18. The weapons that can be purchased include firearms of limited range, and sport, hunting and signa weapons.
The lawmakers wish to specify that the medical certificates necessary for the purchase of pistol and guns can only be issued by medical organizations in the state or municipal health care system.
One of the proposed amendments envisions a ten-year jail turn for malicious infliction of serious harm to health "by using a weapon or objects used in the capacity of weapon."
On January 14, a kindergarten director told police in the town of Salavat that a shot had been fired at a kindergarten window. A police detail went to the scene to investigate. They ascertained that a 51-year-old local resident, supposedly unemployed, had fired several shots with his hunting rifle from the window of his apartment in Kolkhoznaya Street. After the man refused to leave the apartment and surrender him weapon, a decision was made to launch an operation. Police learnt that the man was the only person staying in the apartment. "As a special task force unit was storming the apartment, the man opened fire with his 12-gauge gun and was killed in return fire," a police representative told Itar-Tass.