Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov said on Friday that the use of non-lethal weapons by civilians should be prohibited in the country.
"I think that non-lethal weapons should be banned in Russia," the minister said in an interview with Russia Today (RT) television commenting on a recent incident when a man shot an RT female journalist in the foot with a non-lethal handgun.
Natalya Arkhiptseva was shot in Moscow's Prado Cafe with a rubber bullet on October 9 by Sergei Virolaynen, 35, a chief executive of a St. Petersburg company. She 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 the 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.
MOSCOW, October 30 (RIA Novosti)
