The Mercury

The bill, proposing a ban on an entire range of “non-lethal” weapons, is being presented for public comment. We, the public, are not aware of the exact definition of “non-lethal” weapons. This could hypothetically mean that a street vendor cannot display a knife to cut fruit or prepare food. It could also mean that if an artisan is found with a sharp instrument, like a screwdriver - while looking for a job, he may be implicated and charged for carrying a weapon. The proposal is to be presented before parliament in a strategic move to combat crime. More time is required for public comment and debate.

Abdullah