A massive protest took place on March 15, 2025, in Belgrade, Serbia, against the government and President Aleksandar Vucic, with estimates ranging from 107,000 to 325,000 participants according to different sources. The gathering was driven by public outrage over the recent tragedy at the Novi Sad train station, where 15 lives were lost due to the collapse of a concrete roof, which protesters attributed to government corruption and negligence.
The demonstrations grow from months of unrest, beginning last November following the incident. This protest marked one of the largest anti-government rallies in Serbian history, igniting discussions about corruption and accountability at the highest levels of authority.
Allegations arose following the event's climax, with many protestors claiming they experienced the use of a "sound cannon" to disperse the crowds. Eye-witness accounts describe sudden panic erupting among the crowd during a 15-minute silence dedicated to the deceased from the Novi Sad tragedy. Protesters reported sensations of strong sound waves, with descriptions likening the noise to the roar of an airplane or the sound of gunfire.
The Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) staunchly denied these claims, asserting no acoustic weapons were used against the demonstrators. President Vucic remarked, "I am proud of how our state maintained stability and peace, without using a single stick," reinforcing the government's position against allegations of police brutality.
Despite the denials, human rights activists assert there is overwhelming evidence supporting the claims of the sound cannon's use. The Belgrade Center for Human Rights articulated their concern, stating, "According to testimonies, those present felt a powerful sound strike, accompanied by waves of heat or wind," leading to physical and psychological distress among attendees. This led to calls for independent investigations to validate these reports.
To address the turmoil fueled by allegations, Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced the government's readiness to invite both the FBI and FSB to conduct independent investigations. He stated this initiative would help combat the "stream of lies" about the government, pushed forth by what he deemed "anti-Serbian media." Vucic also hinted at potential legal action against those who spread misinformation, urging officials to investigate the validity of these claims.
The government's offer to involve foreign investigative bodies reflects desperation to maintain credibility following months of protests and growing dissent. Regardless, many Serbians remain skeptical. Maja Popovic, the Minister of Justice, emphasized the accountability necessary for law enforcement, stating, "Those who spread disinformation and deliberately incited panic among the citizens will be held accountable."
Protest participants continue to voice their concerns about the undermining of democratic processes and the lack of transparency within governmental operations. Amid growing uncertainty about the Serbian leadership's capacity to manage public trust, the use of acoustic technologies, perceived attempts at controlling the narrative, and allegations of government misconduct are likely to continue fueling protests.
Authorities have ordered law enforcement to investigate what transpired during the protests. Despite the claims of sonic attacks, the police maintain their operations were conducted with restraint and professionalism. Yet the divide between official narratives and public experience continues to widen.
Events such as the March 15 protest represent not just immediate grievances but reflect broader societal issues within Serbia, including deep-seated fears of governmental corruption and abuse of power. Serbians are demanding action, not merely words from their leaders, as they seek clarity and justice for the tragedies affecting their lives.
The impact of these protests may very well shape the future of governance and public sentiment as authorities navigate these turbulent waters, trying to uphold order without suppressing the voices of those they serve. The tension could either catalyze positive change or spiral the country closer to unrest, depending on how governments respond to the people's urgent calls for accountability.
