Who Will Be Able to Carry Weapons: National Assembly Passes Law

The National Assembly of Armenia has adopted the draft law on amendments and supplements to the ‘Law on Regulation of Circulation of Weapons’ in the second reading and in full. The decision was supported by 61 deputies, 1 was against, and 32 abstained.

The author of the draft is Vilen Gabrielian, a deputy from the ruling party. The rules for possessing and using weapons have been simplified. From now on, there will be no service weapons; they will only be categorized as civilian and military. Handguns are classified as civilian weapons (formally defined as short-barreled firearms that are not capable of automatic firing).

Moreover, current legislation only allows military personnel with at least 20 years of service who hold no lower rank than colonel to acquire these weapons. It is now proposed to lower this threshold to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Homemade weapons will be prohibited.

Individuals awarded with weapons are required to submit medical documents to the Police Department of Armenia by June 1, 2025, certifying the absence of diseases and conditions that impede weapon possession. They also must provide documentation of passing theoretical and practical tests on knowledge of weapons and safety regulations. Failure to present these documents will result in the confiscation of the weapon from the awarded individual, making it unusable and then returned to the individual as it is their property.

The area in which the use of firearms is permitted will be reduced (except for shooting ranges). The current legislation prohibits the use of rifled firearms within 5000 meters of populated areas and highways, but the draft proposes to reduce this distance to 3000 meters. The distance for smoothbore firearms is suggested to remain at 500 meters.

Additionally, it is proposed to exempt those who are serving or have served in the military from passing the practical examination for weapon usage; they would only need to take the theoretical exam.

Investigators from the Military Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia will also be given the opportunity to carry combat firearms.

Minors are prohibited from circulating mechanical stun grenades, aerosol and other devices charged with tear gas or irritants, and electric shock weapons and stun guns.

The law will enter into force 10 days after being signed by the President of Armenia.