Serbia Faces Calls for Probe Into Alleged Sonic Weapon Use

Pressure is mounting in Serbia for an independent investigation into allegations that security forces deployed a prohibited sonic weapon against protesters at a massive anti-corruption rally. While Serbian authorities strongly deny the claims, human rights organizations and opposition leaders insist on international scrutiny.

Allegations of Sonic Weapon Deployment

Opposition groups and activists allege that a sonic weapon, which emits targeted beams to disorient people, was used during the March 15 protest. This crowd control device is reportedly banned in Serbia, yet some security experts claim it was deployed against peaceful demonstrators.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade to demand justice for the deaths of 15 people in a railway station collapse on November 1. The protest, initially peaceful, descended into panic when a sudden, piercing sound disrupted a moment of silence for the victims.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage show demonstrators scrambling for cover as the sonic weapon allegedly caused sharp ear pain, nausea, and disorientation. Security analysts warn that prolonged exposure to such crowd control devices can lead to permanent hearing damage.

Government Response and International Involvement

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed the allegations as a “wicked lie,” accusing opponents of spreading disinformation to destabilize Serbia. However, in an unexpected move, Vucic announced plans to invite both the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) to examine the claims.

Despite government denials, officials have indirectly admitted that crowd control weapons were added to police arsenals two years ago. However, they insist that such sonic devices were not used at the recent demonstration.

Legal and Human Rights Actions

Serbian opposition groups and human rights organizations have taken their demands to the international stage. The Move-Change movement launched an online petition, signed by over 500,000 people, calling on the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to conduct an independent probe.

The petition emphasizes that any investigation should assess the sonic weapon’s impact on public health, human rights, and legal violations. Former Serbian President Boris Tadic also announced plans to seek international assistance in determining whether the crowd control device was used unlawfully.

Eyewitness Accounts and Expert Analysis

Many individuals who claim they were near the alleged sonic weapon attack reported severe headaches, nausea, and temporary hearing loss. Experts speculate that a US-manufactured Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), known for its ability to project high-frequency sound waves over long distances, may have been used.

Security analysts note that LRAD technology is typically employed for military and law enforcement purposes to disperse crowds. However, its use in civilian settings has been controversial due to health risks associated with its high-intensity sound waves.

The Political Fallout

The controversy surrounding the alleged use of sonic weapons comes amid escalating political tensions in Serbia. The ongoing student-led protests have posed one of the most significant challenges to Vucic’s decade-long rule, with critics accusing his administration of corruption and authoritarian tactics.

While Vucic has vowed to hold those spreading “false information” accountable, the growing demand for an independent inquiry suggests that the debate over crowd control weapons is far from over.

As international organizations consider intervening, the Serbian government faces increasing pressure to allow a transparent investigation into the potential misuse of sonic weapons against its citizens.