Katelynas on firearm use amendments: No US-style liberalization

Lithuania's Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas has clarified that proposed amendments regarding police officers' use of firearms will not result in a significant liberalization of gun laws. He emphasized that the changes are not intended to mirror the extensive gun rights seen in the United States.

Katelynas stated that the amendments seek to adjust the existing procedures for when police officers are authorized to use their service weapons. The focus is on refining protocols rather than broadly expanding access or usage rights for firearms among law enforcement personnel.

His remarks aim to preempt concerns that the proposed legislative changes could lead to a more permissive environment for firearm use, assuring the public that the government is maintaining a cautious approach. The minister stressed that the modifications are procedural and do not represent a move towards the kind of gun liberalization observed in other countries, specifically referencing the U.S.

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these changes will not mean complete liberalization of weapons.