Serbia's Government Faces Criticism Over Use of Sonic Weapons Against Protesters
Escalation of Tensions Amidst Clamor for Accountability Following Railway Station Tragedy
In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vučić's administration has drawn international scrutiny for its use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators during an anti-corruption rally in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. The protest, attended by hundreds of thousands, including students, was organized to demand accountability for the November 2024 collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals.
During a moment of silence dedicated to the victims of the tragedy, demonstrators reported an abrupt onset of a piercing sound that caused panic among the crowd.
Eyewitnesses described experiencing acute ear pain, severe headaches, nausea, and disorientation—symptoms indicative of exposure to Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), known colloquially as 'sound cannons.' These devices have garnered international condemnation due to their potential for causing harm and are banned for use against civilian populations.
Despite the eyewitness accounts and video evidence presented by protestors, the Serbian government has denied the allegations.
President Vučić labeled the claims as 'wicked lies' and suggested that international entities, including the FBI and Russia's FSB, be involved in an investigation, raising concerns about the authenticity of such an inquiry.
Previously, Serbian officials have acknowledged the acquisition of LRADs as part of crowd-control measures while maintaining that these devices were not deployed during the protest.
This inconsistency has fueled skepticism about the government's narrative.
Human rights groups and opposition leaders in Serbia have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
They are urging global organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to closely examine the government's actions.
The use of sonic weapons against protesters has ignited broader discussions about human rights and the treatment of dissent in Serbia.
Activists argue that the deployment of such technology is indicative of a regime increasingly willing to resort to brutal tactics to maintain control amid rising public frustration over corruption and safety issues following the railway station disaster.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the Serbian government's response to the protests and the calls for reforms from the citizenry.
During a moment of silence dedicated to the victims of the tragedy, demonstrators reported an abrupt onset of a piercing sound that caused panic among the crowd.
Eyewitnesses described experiencing acute ear pain, severe headaches, nausea, and disorientation—symptoms indicative of exposure to Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), known colloquially as 'sound cannons.' These devices have garnered international condemnation due to their potential for causing harm and are banned for use against civilian populations.
Despite the eyewitness accounts and video evidence presented by protestors, the Serbian government has denied the allegations.
President Vučić labeled the claims as 'wicked lies' and suggested that international entities, including the FBI and Russia's FSB, be involved in an investigation, raising concerns about the authenticity of such an inquiry.
Previously, Serbian officials have acknowledged the acquisition of LRADs as part of crowd-control measures while maintaining that these devices were not deployed during the protest.
This inconsistency has fueled skepticism about the government's narrative.
Human rights groups and opposition leaders in Serbia have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
They are urging global organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to closely examine the government's actions.
The use of sonic weapons against protesters has ignited broader discussions about human rights and the treatment of dissent in Serbia.
Activists argue that the deployment of such technology is indicative of a regime increasingly willing to resort to brutal tactics to maintain control amid rising public frustration over corruption and safety issues following the railway station disaster.
As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the Serbian government's response to the protests and the calls for reforms from the citizenry.
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