Russia says no to use of weapons by civilians

Moscow, Oct 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian minister has said the country should prohibit the use of non-lethal weapons by civilians, after a woman journalist was shot at with a rubber bullet.

Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov said Friday that the use of such weapons by civilians should be banned.

“I think that non-lethal weapons should be banned in Russia,” Konovalov said in an interview with Russia Today (RT) television, when asked about an incident when a man shot an RT journalist in the foot with a handgun.

Natalya Arkhiptseva was shot in Moscow’s Prado Cafe with a rubber bullet Oct 9 allegedly by Sergei Virolaynen, 35, a chief executive of a company in St. Petersburg.

Arkhiptseva said he opened fire after she objected to being sworn at by him and his friends as she walked passed their table.

“There is a lot of talk nowadays about allowing Russian citizens to bear arms, but I am absolutely sure that it is impossible,” Konovalov said.

At present, Russians have the right to carry non-lethal weapons bought under an easily-obtainable license.

–IANS/RIA Novosti