Electric shock weapons 2.5 WIRELESS PROJECTILE ELECTRIC SHOCK WEAPONS Key Technical Features Specially designed launchers (including types of shotguns and pistols) that fire projectile stun or kinetic impact cartridges, which can also be called “electric bullets”. Some models of launcher can fire a range of projectiles, including chemical irritants or kinetic impact projectiles. The range of the projectiles, voltage output, and duration of shock varies between models. Some models may facilitate torture and other ill-treatment, including through application of long duration or continuous electric shocks. Once the projectile has left the weapon, the operator has no control over the shocks being delivered. Human Rights Concerns These projectiles are inaccurate and are affected by weather conditions, which increases the risk of head or upper body injury from the kinetic energy impact. There is a lack of research on wireless projectiles, but some studies on wired projectiles have found a risk of cardiac, respiratory, and brain injuries and complications, including a number of cases where death has occurred subsequent to the use of the weapon. Statements and Standards from Human Rights Bodies Examples of Existing Controls Proposed Control 59 These projectiles are not widely used and to the best of Omega’s knowledge, there are no statements or standards from human rights bodies on this specific type of equipment. The EU Anti-Torture Regulation controls the export of this equipment and allows Member States to prohibit trade. The US CCL controls the export of this equipment. Independent and transparent medical and human rights compliance testing is required before any decision to manufacture, purchase, or use this type of equipment.