Serbia Denies Use of LRAD Sonic Weapon Against Protesters
President Vučić refutes allegations that Serbian police deployed acoustic weapons during mass protests in Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has dismissed claims that police forces used a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) against anti-government protesters during a mass rally in Belgrade on Saturday.
The demonstration, attended by hundreds of thousands, was part of ongoing protests against government corruption and mismanagement following the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024.
Footage circulated on social media showed protesters panicking and dispersing during a planned 15-minute silence to honor the 15 victims of the Novi Sad disaster.
Witnesses reported hearing an unusual, low-frequency sound before a sudden wave of confusion and distress among attendees.
Some protestors claimed they experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and hearing discomfort.
The Belgrade Center for Security Policy condemned the alleged use of acoustic weapons, calling it an unlawful act intended to incite chaos and criminalize peaceful demonstrators.
The Serbian government has strongly denied the allegations, with Vučić stating that an LRAD emits a "strong, piercing sound" and asserting that no such noise was reported during the protest.
Rights groups and medical professionals have raised concerns that some individuals hospitalized after the rally may have been affected by a sonic blast.
Medical students from the Belgrade Faculty of Medicine have demanded transparency regarding the number of patients admitted with related symptoms.
Vučić announced that an official investigation would be launched but warned that those spreading "false information" about the incident could face legal action.
Meanwhile, Serbian authorities continue to monitor the protests as demonstrators maintain pressure on the government, demanding accountability and systemic reforms.
The demonstration, attended by hundreds of thousands, was part of ongoing protests against government corruption and mismanagement following the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024.
Footage circulated on social media showed protesters panicking and dispersing during a planned 15-minute silence to honor the 15 victims of the Novi Sad disaster.
Witnesses reported hearing an unusual, low-frequency sound before a sudden wave of confusion and distress among attendees.
Some protestors claimed they experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and hearing discomfort.
The Belgrade Center for Security Policy condemned the alleged use of acoustic weapons, calling it an unlawful act intended to incite chaos and criminalize peaceful demonstrators.
The Serbian government has strongly denied the allegations, with Vučić stating that an LRAD emits a "strong, piercing sound" and asserting that no such noise was reported during the protest.
Rights groups and medical professionals have raised concerns that some individuals hospitalized after the rally may have been affected by a sonic blast.
Medical students from the Belgrade Faculty of Medicine have demanded transparency regarding the number of patients admitted with related symptoms.
Vučić announced that an official investigation would be launched but warned that those spreading "false information" about the incident could face legal action.
Meanwhile, Serbian authorities continue to monitor the protests as demonstrators maintain pressure on the government, demanding accountability and systemic reforms.
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