Authorities and opposition in Serbia are currently embroiled in disputes over allegations concerning the purported use of acoustic weaponry during nationwide protests. The Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs officially denied claims of deploying sound cannons against protesters on March 15, 2025, following remarkable protests linked to government discontent.
These protests ignited after the tragic events at the Novi Sad railway station, where the collapse of the rooftop resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including children, on November 1, 2024. The resulting demonstrations have seen thousands of people taking to the streets, with recent estimates reporting over 100,000 participants during the most recent rallies.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic commented on these allegations, asserting, "The methods of the Kiev Maidan of 2014 won’t pass here," indicating his disapproval of such tactics being adopted within Serbia. Vucic and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic emphasized their commitment to ensuring crowd control without resorting to forceful measures, with Vucevic stating, "No order for the use of the truncheon was issued. The police did not take any action against anyone." Their statements aimed to counter accusations made by opposition figures such as Zdravko Ponos, the ex-Chief of Staff, who claimed police employed sound-cannon technology against demonstrators during what was described as 15 minutes of silence.
Ponos posted on social media about the chaos during the silent tribute, wherein sudden noise dispersed the assembled crowd, leading to fears and injuries. Videos surfaced online showcasing protesters scrambling, which has amplified the outcry for accountability. The Ministry of Internal Affairs maintained there was no evidence supporting the active use of sound cannons, insisting their operational guidelines disallow such measures.
Vucic asserted, "They found this cannon and showed it... only this is not the sound cannon; it is just an anti-drone weapon," referring to footage published by local media. This consistent narrative was backed by Vucevic, who stressed, "I think Serbian police have learned to control gatherings without utilizing force."
Experts point out the speculated impacts of sound weapons, indicating serious physiological repercussions on human health at certain decibel levels. These weapons' effectiveness is also called to question; reports suggest such devices would necessitate considerable infrastructure and power supply, often likened to the formidable size of five-story buildings to function efficiently.
Given the murky waters surrounding these allegations, the Serbian government has proposed involving international investigative bodies like the FBI and FSB to objectively assess the claims. Vucic stated, "To stop the flow of lies, the government is ready to invite the FBI and FSB to come and conduct an investigation." This move aims to reinforce the government's stance and quell rising tensions surrounding the protests and the language of misinformation disseminated through social media.
The unrest, borne out of frustration over corruption and tragic accidents exacerbated by systemic failures, continues to galvanize citizens against the ruling government. Protesters have innovatively organized petitions demanding accountability and fostering transparency, accumulating half a million signatures within mere hours.
Alexandra Godfroid, editor at N1 television, reported discrepancies between official estimates of attendance at protests, claiming the Ministry of Internal Affairs likely downplayed the number of participants. She notes, "According to public gathering archives, there were 300,000 people," underlining the significant disconnect between government statements and grassroots observations.
Overall, the series of protests have not only served as memorials for the victims of the Novi Sad disaster but have evolved as powerful statements against the government's perceived authoritarian measures. The sentiments among protesters remain strong, as they voice demands for structural reforms, transparency, and governmental accountability.
Continuing protests are projected, fueled by the public's resolve against perceived efforts to repress or delegitimize grassroots actions. Resistance against potential governmental narratives categorizing them as mere hysteria persists, with citizens growing increasingly emboldened.
