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Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025
Outside the box.
Serbian Government Denies Use of 'Sonic Weapon' Amidst Massive Protests
Authorities refute allegations of deploying prohibited devices during historic anti-government demonstrations in Belgrade.
Serbia is currently experiencing one of its largest protest movements in recent history, with hundreds of thousands gathering in Belgrade to express discontent over alleged government corruption and negligence.
The demonstrations were initially sparked by the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities and two severe injuries.
The incident has been attributed to potential structural failures, leading to widespread public outrage.
On March 15, 2025, an estimated 325,000 individuals convened in Belgrade for the '15th for 15' protest, honoring the 15 victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
Participants included students, farmers, lawyers, and taxi drivers, all demanding accountability and transparency from the government.
The Public Meeting Archive reported attendance figures between 275,000 and 325,000, marking it as Serbia's largest protest to date.
During a fifteen-minute commemorative silence at the protest, attendees reported hearing a sudden piercing noise, causing panic and a brief stampede.
Many experienced symptoms such as ear pain, headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
Some experts suggest that a U.S.-made Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly known as a 'sonic weapon,' may have been used, but this has not been independently verified.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as 'vile lies.' He stated that while he is aware of such devices, there was no evidence of their use during the protests.
Vučić has called for an investigation into the claims and has suggested involving international agencies, including the FBI and Russia's FSB, to ensure a transparent inquiry.
Opposition leaders and human rights groups have condemned the alleged use of such devices, describing it as a blatant display of force and an attempt to incite chaos, aiming to delegitimize protests and criminalize peaceful citizens.
They have filed petitions for an independent investigation encompassing medical, legal, and technical aspects.
The protests have led to several high-profile resignations, including Construction Minister Goran Vesić and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević.
Despite these departures, President Vučić remains steadfast, stating he will not yield to what he describes as 'blackmail' from the streets.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the outcomes of these developments could have significant implications for Serbia's political landscape and regional stability.
The demonstrations were initially sparked by the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, which resulted in 15 fatalities and two severe injuries.
The incident has been attributed to potential structural failures, leading to widespread public outrage.
On March 15, 2025, an estimated 325,000 individuals convened in Belgrade for the '15th for 15' protest, honoring the 15 victims of the Novi Sad tragedy.
Participants included students, farmers, lawyers, and taxi drivers, all demanding accountability and transparency from the government.
The Public Meeting Archive reported attendance figures between 275,000 and 325,000, marking it as Serbia's largest protest to date.
During a fifteen-minute commemorative silence at the protest, attendees reported hearing a sudden piercing noise, causing panic and a brief stampede.
Many experienced symptoms such as ear pain, headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
Some experts suggest that a U.S.-made Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly known as a 'sonic weapon,' may have been used, but this has not been independently verified.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as 'vile lies.' He stated that while he is aware of such devices, there was no evidence of their use during the protests.
Vučić has called for an investigation into the claims and has suggested involving international agencies, including the FBI and Russia's FSB, to ensure a transparent inquiry.
Opposition leaders and human rights groups have condemned the alleged use of such devices, describing it as a blatant display of force and an attempt to incite chaos, aiming to delegitimize protests and criminalize peaceful citizens.
They have filed petitions for an independent investigation encompassing medical, legal, and technical aspects.
The protests have led to several high-profile resignations, including Construction Minister Goran Vesić and Prime Minister Miloš Vučević.
Despite these departures, President Vučić remains steadfast, stating he will not yield to what he describes as 'blackmail' from the streets.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the outcomes of these developments could have significant implications for Serbia's political landscape and regional stability.
