Serbian officials have firmly denied the use of military-grade sonic weapons against peaceful protesters during what has been described as one of the largest anti-government rallies in the country’s recent history. The mass gathering, which took place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, has led to heated claims from opposition leaders and human rights groups who allege the state employed this widely banned weapon to disperse demonstrators at the rally.
At the heart of this massive mobilization were protests against President Aleksandar Vui's administration, which many Serbians blame for rampant corruption and negligence following the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which claimed 15 lives last November. During the rally, participants paused for 15 minutes of silence to honor the victims when chaos erupted — reportedly triggered by the ominous sound of what witnesses described as “like a plane landing from the presidency building.”
Footage from the scene depicted frantic scenes as protesters scrambled for safety. Eyewitness Duan Simin spoke to reports, recalling the panic: “We couldn’t run away from it; we didn’t know what to do.” Those exposed to supposed sonic devices experience symptoms such as acute ear pain and disorientation, raising concerns over potential long-term health impacts, including eardrum ruptures. Military experts have asserted the dangers posed by such sonic weapons, reinforcing calls for accountability from the Serbian government.
Despite the claims, Serbian officials — including police and defense authorities — have categorically denied using any sonic weapons against protesters, condemning the allegations as “a notorious lie.” President Vui went so far as to challenge the information publicly, demanding judicial authorities to investigate the incidents surrounding the rally. “Let there be proceedings, but then they should also prosecute those who went public with such notorious lies,” Vui stated during announcements to the media shortly after the event.
While the government estimates attendance at about 107,000 people, independent organizations have reported numbers as high as 325,000 attendees, establishing the protest as possibly the largest ever seen within Serbia. This disparity of estimates has only fueled the fire of discontent among the population, eager for transparency and justice against those responsible for the November disaster.
The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, a non-governmental organization, condemned the alleged deployment of any acoustic devices, labeling it as “an unlawful and inhumane act.” They described it as “a blatant display of force and attempt to incite chaos, aiming to delegitimize protests and criminalize peaceful citizens.” These concerns reflect broader fears over increasing state power and violence against those voicing dissent.
Internationally, the situation has drawn attention as the European Union, along with various embassies, monitors political developments closely, emphasizing the fundamental right to peaceful assembly. An open letter from members of the European Parliament urged for global support and recognition of human rights amid these troubling reports from Serbia.
The United Nations has also weighed in, calling on the government to permit mass protests “without unjustified interference.” UN representatives urged authorities to protect journalists, activists, and citizens alike, underscoring the importance of maintaining civil liberties even during periods of national unrest.
Students leading these protests have pledged to continue their demonstrations until their demands for accountability surrounding the train station collapse are met. Demonstrators seek not only the release of all documentation related to the disaster but also the prosecution of those found responsible and increased funding for educational institutions across the nation. Following their prior actions, students have staged consistent blockades throughout the country, demonstrating solidarity and remembrance for the victims.
Reflecting on the protests, President Vui recognized the scale of dissatisfaction among the populace. “All people in the government have to understand the message when this many people gather. We will have to change ourselves,” he remarked, indicating he had heard the protesters’ outcry, yet vowing fiercely not to resign. His assertion, “You will have to kill me if you want to replace me,” emphasizes the growing tension between state authorities and the diminishing trust from the Serbian citizens who demand accountability.
With protests expected to persist as activists rally for significant reforms and response to government negligence, the developments surrounding the alleged use of sonic weapons continue to amplify calls for justice and civil rights fulfillment across Serbia.