Sonic Weapon Allegations Rock Serbian Protests; Officials Deny Use
Table of Contents
- 1. Sonic Weapon Allegations Rock Serbian Protests; Officials Deny Use
- 2. Allegations of Acoustic Weapon Deployment
- 3. Massive Protests Against Government Corruption
- 4. November Train Station Tragedy Sparks Outrage
- 5. Eyewitness Accounts and Panic
- 6. Condemnation and Official Denials
- 7. President Vucic Calls for Investigation
- 8. Looking Ahead
- 9. What specific safeguards and international protocols are currently in place to regulate the development, deployment, and use of acoustic weapons?
- 10. Sonic Weapon Allegations in Serbia: An Expert’s Perspective
- 11. understanding Acoustic Weapons
- 12. Allegations in Belgrade
- 13. The Legality of Sonic Weapons
- 14. Serbian Government Response
- 15. Correlations with protests
- 16. The Road Ahead
Belgrade, Serbia – Serbian officials are vehemently denying claims that security forces deployed a military-grade sonic weapon against anti-government protesters during a massive rally in the capital on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The allegations have sparked outrage and demands for examination.
Allegations of Acoustic Weapon Deployment
Opposition figures and human rights organizations allege that a banned acoustic weapon, designed to emit a targeted beam causing temporary incapacitation, was used during the protest.They intend to file charges with the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts against those responsible for ordering its use.
- The alleged weapon causes sharp ear pain.
- It can lead to disorientation and panic.
- Military experts warn that prolonged exposure can result in eardrum ruptures and irreversible hearing damage.
While Serbian authorities deny its use, the country has not denied possessing such a device.
Massive Protests Against Government Corruption
The Saturday rally drew at least 100,000 people to Belgrade, marking a significant escalation in months-long protests against Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration. The demonstrations are fueled by widespread discontent over government corruption and a lack of accountability.
The anti-corruption movement gained momentum following a tragic incident in November 2024, when a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in northern Serbia, resulting in the deaths of 15 people.
November Train Station Tragedy Sparks Outrage
Almost daily demonstrations, triggered by the train station collapse, have challenged President Vucic’s long-standing grip on power. Protesters attribute the tragedy to “rampant government corruption, negligence and disrespect of construction safety regulations, demanding accountability for the victims.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Panic
Disturbing footage from the rally shows protesters observing a moment of silence for the train station victims when a sudden “whooshing sound” triggered panic and a brief stampede.
An eyewitness, an Associated Press photographer, described the scene: “people started scrambling for cover, leaving the middle of the downtown street almost empty as they started falling over each other.”
Condemnation and Official Denials
The Belgrade center for Security Policy, a non-governmental institution, issued a strong condemnation of “the unlawful and inhumane deployment of prohibited weapons, such as acoustic devices, against peaceful protesters.”
The organization characterized the alleged action as “a blatant display of force and an attempt to incite chaos, aiming to delegitimize protests and criminalize peaceful citizens.”
In response, Serbian police and the defense ministry have denied using the alleged sonic weapon.
President Vucic Calls for Investigation
President Vucic has urged judicial authorities to investigate the claims. According to the state RTS broadcaster, Vucic stated, “I am asking … the ministry of justice and the prosecutor’s office to react, either to prosecute those who used it, and we know they didn’t but let’s check.” He added, “Let there be a proceeding but then they should also prosecute those who whent public with such a notorious lie.”
Belgrade’s emergency hospital has also denied receiving numerous patients after the incident and has threatened legal action against those who “spread untrue facts.”
Looking Ahead
The conflicting accounts and serious allegations surrounding the use of a sonic weapon during the Belgrade protests demand a thorough and transparent investigation. The future of the anti-corruption movement and the stability of the Serbian government may hinge on the outcome.Stay informed as this story develops, and consider supporting organizations dedicated to promoting human rights and accountability in Serbia.
What specific safeguards and international protocols are currently in place to regulate the development, deployment, and use of acoustic weapons?
Sonic Weapon Allegations in Serbia: An Expert’s Perspective
Following allegations of sonic weapon use during recent protests in Belgrade, we spoke with Dr. Elena Petrović, a researcher specializing in acoustic weapons and international law at the Institute for Global Security Studies, to understand the implications.
understanding Acoustic Weapons
Archyde: Dr. Petrović, thank you for joining us. Could you explain what exactly an acoustic weapon is and how it works?
Dr. Petrović: Certainly.An acoustic weapon, sometimes referred to as a sonic weapon, uses sound, infrasound, or ultrasound to cause discomfort, disorientation, or even injury. Thes weapons can project a focused beam of sound at a specific target. (See: ResearchGate ‘Reverse Engineering the “Sonic Weapon”‘) Different types of acoustic weapons exist, some cause intense pain, others can disrupt balance, and in extreme cases, prolonged exposure may lead to permanent hearing damage.
Allegations in Belgrade
Archyde: In Belgrade, protesters are claiming that such a weapon was used against them. What are the typical effects someone might experience if exposed?
Dr. Petrović: According to reports, individuals may experience sharp ear pain, disorientation, and panic. The severity depends on the intensity and duration of exposure, and also the specific frequency emitted. These effects are consistent with the known capabilities of certain types of acoustic weapons.
The Legality of Sonic Weapons
Archyde: What is the legal status of these weapons internationally? are they banned?
Dr. Petrović: The legal landscape is complex. While there isn’t a specific treaty that universally bans all acoustic weapons, their use is ofen scrutinized under existing international human rights and humanitarian laws. The use of any weapon that causes unnecessary suffering or indiscriminate harm is prohibited. Deploying acoustic devices against peaceful protesters could perhaps violate these principles, notably if the effects are disproportionate to the threat.
Serbian Government Response
Archyde: serbian officials are denying the use of a sonic weapon, but President Vucic has called for an inquiry. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr.Petrović: An self-reliant and transparent investigation is crucial. It’s significant to determine whether such a device was indeed deployed, and if so, to assess its impact on the protesters and ensure accountability if any laws or protocols were violated. The contradictory statements highlight the need for an objective inquiry.
Correlations with protests
Archyde: the protests in Serbia stem from widespread discontent over government corruption. Do you think there is a relationship between the sonic allegations and the cause of the protests?
Dr. Petrović: Absolutely. These allegations can greatly damage trust in the government. Accusations of using inhumane or unlawful methods to suppress dissent amplifies existing tensions and anger, which could further mobilize the population to fight against corruption in serbia.
The Road Ahead
Archyde: What should happen next to resolve the situation?
Dr. Petrović: The public needs to know the truth.A swift, transparent investigation process can not only help to identify the truth but also rebuild broken trust between the government and public. It is also important for international organizations to observe these investigations to show the public that there can be repercussions for such decisions.
Archyde: what question should the global community be asking about this situation that isn’t currently being discussed?
dr. Petrović: We should be asking: What safeguards are in place,both nationally and internationally,to prevent the misuse of crowd control technologies like acoustic weapons and ensure they are deployed ethically and within the bounds of international law? How can we ensure greater accountability and openness in the procurement and deployment of these technologies?
What are your thoughts on the use of sonic weapons for crowd control? Share your views in the comments below.
