Latvia’s parliament has adopted in the final reading amendments to the Law on the Circulation of Weapons that prohibit people holding Russian or Belarusian passports from acquiring, carrying or possessing firearms, according to Delfi.
The new restrictions introduce a complete ban on issuing or renewing the relevant licences not only for Russian and Belarusian citizens residing in Latvia with temporary or permanent residence permits, but also for dual nationals who hold Latvian or other EU citizenship alongside Russian or Belarusian citizenship.
Lawmakers justified the measures on national security grounds and the need to reduce internal risks associated with hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus.
Under the adopted legislation, previously issued permits for the possession or carrying of firearms by people covered by the restrictions will be revoked.
Owners will be required, within a period specified by law, to surrender their firearms, essential firearm components and ammunition to the Latvian State Police for subsequent sale, transfer or disposal.
Failure to comply with the requirements within the prescribed period may result in criminal liability, as well as procedures to revoke residence permits and other documents authorising a person’s stay in Latvia.
Latvian authorities have stressed that tighter control over civilian firearms is part of the country’s broader national security strategy aimed at reducing hybrid risks and preventing internal provocations.
