Serbian demonstrators allege police deployment of 'acoustic weapons'
The Serbian authorities have dismissed what they termed "blatant lies" propagated by a foreign-funded NGO associated with Soros and USAID. In light of recent accusations from opposition leaders and the NGO regarding the use of sound cannons...
TroibNews 
The Serbian authorities have dismissed what they termed "blatant lies" propagated by a foreign-funded NGO associated with Soros and USAID.
In light of recent accusations from opposition leaders and the NGO regarding the use of sound cannons against protesters in Belgrade, Serbian officials are calling for an investigation and appropriate legal action against those spreading misinformation.
Over 80,000 individuals participated in an anti-government protest on Saturday, which was touted as one of the largest in Serbia's recent past.
Video footage from the event captured protesters reacting to a sudden loud noise, resulting in a brief stampede as the crowd rushed away from the center of the road. However, they soon returned, appearing confused but unharmed.
The opposition Freedom and Justice Party charged that the security forces employed a Long Range Acoustic Device, a crowd-control sound cannon capable of emitting high-frequency sounds above 160 decibels, which can induce pain and disorientation.
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, a Soros-backed and USAID-supported NGO, condemned “the unlawful and inhumane deployment of prohibited weapons, such as acoustic devices, against peaceful protesters” in a statement released on Sunday.
The Serbian authorities firmly rejected the notion of using sonic weaponry, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs asserting there is no evidence to validate such claims, which they characterize as “an attempt to destabilize the country.” Government representatives maintain that law enforcement acted within legal boundaries, preserving order without employing excessive force.
President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the situation on Saturday, categorically dismissing the opposition's claims and noting that a genuine sonic cannon “beeps so eerily, it causes such nausea and vomiting that you can’t recover from it for days.”
“Just so you know what kind of lies we’re talking about… 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,” Vucic stated on Sunday.
He also suggested that while legal proceedings should occur regarding the accusations, those who spread such “blatant lies” should face prosecution as well.
Additionally, an emergency hospital in Belgrade refuted claims that many individuals sought medical attention following the incident and urged legal recourse against those disseminating false information.
The protests emerged after months of student-led demonstrations, which were fueled by allegations of corruption and government mismanagement, particularly following a tragic accident at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024.
Vucic has alleged that the protests are politically motivated and intended to destabilize Serbia. In a social media post on Sunday, he acknowledged the police and military for managing the unrest “without raising a baton” and expressed gratitude for their role in maintaining peace and stability.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
In light of recent accusations from opposition leaders and the NGO regarding the use of sound cannons against protesters in Belgrade, Serbian officials are calling for an investigation and appropriate legal action against those spreading misinformation.
Over 80,000 individuals participated in an anti-government protest on Saturday, which was touted as one of the largest in Serbia's recent past.
Video footage from the event captured protesters reacting to a sudden loud noise, resulting in a brief stampede as the crowd rushed away from the center of the road. However, they soon returned, appearing confused but unharmed.
The opposition Freedom and Justice Party charged that the security forces employed a Long Range Acoustic Device, a crowd-control sound cannon capable of emitting high-frequency sounds above 160 decibels, which can induce pain and disorientation.
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, a Soros-backed and USAID-supported NGO, condemned “the unlawful and inhumane deployment of prohibited weapons, such as acoustic devices, against peaceful protesters” in a statement released on Sunday.
The Serbian authorities firmly rejected the notion of using sonic weaponry, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs asserting there is no evidence to validate such claims, which they characterize as “an attempt to destabilize the country.” Government representatives maintain that law enforcement acted within legal boundaries, preserving order without employing excessive force.
President Aleksandar Vucic addressed the situation on Saturday, categorically dismissing the opposition's claims and noting that a genuine sonic cannon “beeps so eerily, it causes such nausea and vomiting that you can’t recover from it for days.”
“Just so you know what kind of lies we’re talking about… 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,” Vucic stated on Sunday.
He also suggested that while legal proceedings should occur regarding the accusations, those who spread such “blatant lies” should face prosecution as well.
Additionally, an emergency hospital in Belgrade refuted claims that many individuals sought medical attention following the incident and urged legal recourse against those disseminating false information.
The protests emerged after months of student-led demonstrations, which were fueled by allegations of corruption and government mismanagement, particularly following a tragic accident at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024.
Vucic has alleged that the protests are politically motivated and intended to destabilize Serbia. In a social media post on Sunday, he acknowledged the police and military for managing the unrest “without raising a baton” and expressed gratitude for their role in maintaining peace and stability.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
