BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbian officials denied claims on Sunday that security forces used a military-grade sonic weapon to disperse and intimidate protesters during a large anti-government rally in the capital.
Opposition leaders and human rights groups in Serbia alleged that the government deployed the banned acoustic weapon, which emits a focused beam to temporarily incapacitate individuals, during the demonstration on Saturday. They vowed to pursue legal action in both domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights against those responsible for ordering the attack.
While the government has not denied possessing the acoustic device, it rejected the claims of its use at the rally.
On Saturday, at least 100,000 people gathered in Belgrade for a mass protest, seen as the peak of months of opposition against President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. The rally was part of a nationwide anti-corruption movement, ignited by a tragedy in November when a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in northern Serbia, killing 15 people.
The protests, which have been held almost daily, were sparked by widespread anger over government corruption, negligence, and failure to enforce construction safety standards. Many blame these issues for the deadly accident and demand accountability for the victims.
Footage from the rally shows participants observing a 15-minute moment of silence for the train station disaster when a sudden loud, whooshing sound caused panic and a brief stampede. Witnesses described people rushing to find cover, with the street quickly becoming nearly empty as they stumbled over one another.
According to military experts, those exposed to the sonic weapon experience intense ear pain, confusion, and panic. Prolonged exposure can lead to ruptured eardrums and permanent hearing damage.
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, a non-governmental organization, condemned the alleged use of such weapons, calling it an unlawful and inhumane attack on peaceful protesters. “This act is a blatant display of force aimed at inciting chaos, delegitimizing protests, and criminalizing peaceful citizens,” the organization stated.
Serbian police and the defense ministry, however, have denied that the weapon was deployed.
President Vucic, on Sunday, called for a legal investigation into the matter. “I am asking the ministry of justice and the prosecutor’s office to look into the reports about the use of sonic weapons during the protests,” Vucic said, according to state broadcaster RTS. “If it turns out they were used, those responsible should be prosecuted. But if it’s proven to be a lie, then those who spread such false information should be held accountable.”
Belgrade’s emergency hospital also refuted claims that many people sought medical attention after the incident, urging legal action against those spreading what it called “false information.”
