Brussels – On March 15, a historic demonstration unfolded in Belgrade, with estimates of participation ranging from 107,000, according to the Interior Ministry, to nearly 500,000 reported by non-governmental organizations, marking potentially the largest protest in Serbia since the ousting of former president Slobodan Milošević.

The protests, primarily led by students, were ignited by growing discontent over government corruption and heightened following the tragic canopy collapse incident at the Novi Sad train station in November.

In recent months, the protests have intensified, resulting in the resignations of key figures including the Mayor of Novi Sad, the Minister of Transportation, and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, in an attempt by President Aleksandar Vučić to quell public anger.

However, the primary aim of the demonstrators seems to center on demanding the end of Vučić's regime.

Leading up to the demonstration, President Vučić adopted a defiant stance, declaring, "I will not allow the streets to decide the rules," and imposing public transportation suspensions in anticipation of the protests for security reasons.

Moreover, the government restricted entry for Slovenian and Croatian journalists, citing safety concerns, while it allegedly mobilized radical factions linked to his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) to counter the demonstrators.

Reports indicate that, amidst the protests, authorities authorized the use of a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to disperse crowds.

This device, recognized for its potential to cause permanent hearing damage, drew sharp criticism from protest organizers and opposition parties.

The students expressed their concerns through videos allegedly showing its activation, contending that the use of such a weapon is illegal.

Opposition leaders denounced Vučić's actions, framing the situation as an aggressive response against peaceful citizens.

Vučić refuted the allegations regarding the sound cannon, suggesting that the equipment was merely an anti-drone device, and vowed to conduct an investigation into the claims within a 48-hour timeframe.

He described the allegations as fabrications aimed at undermining stability in Serbia.

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy condemned the alleged use of banned weapons as a clear display of authoritarianism and demanded transparency regarding the deployment of such devices.

The demonstration itself saw a large turnout, with participants including students and farmers, some driving tractors into the city center.

Protestors vocalized their determination not to tolerate government-sanctioned violence against them, juxtaposed against the backdrop of heightened tensions with regime supporters present at the venue.

According to reports, the protests culminated in 22 arrests and 56 injuries.

Responding to the events, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, expressed gratitude to those ensuring the protesters' safety while emphasizing the importance of reforms necessary for Serbia's EU accession.

EU officials have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the government's alleged use of force.

As Serbia continues to navigate its EU candidacy and ongoing political challenges, the European Commission remains cautious in its approach, aware that alienating Belgrade could drive it towards pro-Russian sentiment.

Upcoming deliberations include a meeting between President Vučić and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as diplomatic efforts unfold amidst rising domestic unrest.