Almost 1,500 Romanians lost their right to carry a non-lethal weapon in the last five months, and 70 percent of them lost their license as they were dangerous for the public order and national security, according to the Romanian Police. Over 500 others lost their right to carry non-lethal weapons as they are on trial for criminal offenses.

The Police organized searches between September 2012 and January 2013, checking whether those who owned weapons complied with the law.

In Romania, there are currently over 83,000 people who have permits to carry non-lethal weapons which are subject to authorization. Around 80 percent of all weapon holders were subject to the search during these five months, according to the Police.

The use of non-lethal weapons – such as rubber bullet guns or BB guns – has been regulated since 2002 in Romania. Authorities tightened the rules in 2010, and introduced a mandatory psychological exam among the requirements for those who applied to non-lethal weapons permits. Another new rule stated that the person applying must not have any criminal convictions for violence.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: sxc.hu)