Girchi party introduces bill for right to carry arms for former military, security officials

The Girchi libertarian party has introduced a bill that would permit former servicemembers and security professionals in Georgia to carry weapons in retirement.

If approved, the amendment would enable retired police officers and security guards, armed forces veterans and former judges and prosecutors to carry weapons after leaving office.

Girchi Chairman Iago Khvichia pointed to the “threat the whole world is facing after the recent events [with Russia’s invasion of] Ukraine” in his comments on the amendment draft.

Khvichia said it was “necessary to give people at least the opportunity to defend themselves”, adding ordinary citizens and not the professional military should be the “main stronghold” of defence in case of an armed conflict.