Serbian authorities have recently rejected allegations that security forces deployed a military-grade sonic weapon to intimidate and disperse protestors during a significant anti-government demonstration in Belgrade on Saturday. Opposition leaders and local human rights groups claimed that the acoustic weapon, which is typically banned, was used to create a targeted sonic beam intended to incapacitate individuals temporarily. They announced plans to pursue legal action through the European Court of Human Rights and local courts against the officials responsible for the incident.
While Serbian officials have not denied possessing the acoustic device, they firmly deny its use on the protesters. Over 100,000 people gathered in Belgrade for the rally, a major event in the ongoing anti-corruption movement sparked by a tragic incident in November, where a concrete canopy collapse at a train station claimed 15 lives. This tragedy highlighted widespread discontent regarding government corruption and negligence regarding construction safety, prompting weeks of protests demanding accountability.
Witness accounts asserted that during a moment of silence held for the victims of the rail disaster, a sudden loud noise caused panic among the crowd, leading to a chaotic scramble for safety. Footage from the rally depicted the scene, with the noise triggering distress among the attendees, who reportedly experienced disorientation and fear.
Military experts indicated that exposure to such sonic weapons can inflict severe symptoms like ear pain and confusion, with potential long-term damage including ruptured eardrums and permanent hearing loss. NGOs such as the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy condemned this alleged use of prohibited weapons against peaceful demonstrators, asserting that it constitutes an aggressive action aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the protests.
In response, Serbian police and the Ministry of Defence refuted claims regarding the illegal use of the sonic weapon. President Aleksandar Vucic has since encouraged investigative agencies to look into the accusations, urging a thorough examination of the situation.
Vucic’s call for action comes amid denials from Belgrade’s emergency hospital regarding reports of numerous people seeking medical assistance following the incident. They also urged legal repercussions for those spreading what they deemed to be false narratives about the protest. The ongoing political tension in Serbia, largely fuelled by public discontent towards Vucic’s administration, reflects the broader struggle for government accountability and transparency in the face of systemic corruption.