The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine proposes to remove two articles from the Criminal Code that criminalize illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives.
The relevant draft law "On Amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code of Ukraine to Ensure Unity of Norms in the Realization of the Right to Self-Defense and Decriminalization of Weapons Production" (registration number 11073) was submitted to the Parliament of Ukraine by a group of MPs, including Oleksandra Ustinova of the Holos faction.
The document provides for the removal from the Criminal Code of Article 263 on illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives and Article 263-1 on illegal manufacture, processing or repair of firearms or falsification, illegal removal or alteration of their markings, or illegal manufacture of ammunition, explosives or explosive devices, which provide for such violations to be punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to seven years.
At the same time, such violations are subject to administrative liability. In particular, a fine of UAH 960-2280 is imposed for the acquisition, storage, carrying or transfer of weapons without a permit. Also, a fine of UAH 17,000 to UAH 34,000 with confiscation of the offense items and income from the activity for manufacturing, processing or repairing weapons without a license.
"Did you know that if you manufacture an FPV drone for the Armed Forces at home without a license, you are a criminal? And this is not a joke, but a "hole" in our law. Or if you keep a gun under your pillow to protect your wife and child in case of emergency, you are a criminal. For helping the Armed Forces or protecting your family, you will face 3 to 7 years in prison. Because this is a serious crime, more serious than rape (3-5 years in prison)," wrote one of the authors of the bill, MP Ustinova, on Facebook.
According to her, if you make drones at home with friends, then this is "an already organized 'group' and you will face 8 to 12 years."
"Wild? Yes, it is. To fix this, I, together with my colleagues, registered a bill in the Verkhovna Rada to decriminalize the possession and manufacture of weapons without a license," Ustinova said.
