Cops’ approval needed to tie the knot

Every wedding ceremony in the Russian southern republic of North Ossetia will now have unusual guests – a squad of uniformed policemen.

The order for police to guard every wedding was signed by local police chief, reports Interfax news agency. The move is an attempt to curb the number of shooting incidents during celebrations, which has risen recently.

Officers will not only keep an eye on the newlyweds and their guests, but will also help the families to organize the festivities.

A traditional marriage in Russia’s southern regions is a major event involving dozens of people and sometimes days-long feasts. Sometimes emotions go over the edge, and a row can turn into a fistfight or even a shootout.

“Earlier, drunken young men preferred using fists to settle their disputes. But lately they have adopted the habit of drawing pistols. Occasionally, they put metal points on rubber bullets, and this may be fatal,” spokesman for the regional interior ministry explained.

During previous weekend three people have been wounded at weddings in the capital, Vladikavkaz.

The report doesn’t specify whether the policemen on duty will have do abstain from eating on duty. If so, it would be a real challenge for the locals, as not being able to treat a guest is a disgrace there.