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Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Use of Sonic Weapons in Anti-Government Protest in Serbia

Serbian authorities have sharply refuted allegations that military-grade sonic weapons were employed to disrupt a major anti-government demonstration in Belgrade over the weekend.

This protest, which took place on Saturday, attracted at least 100,000 participants and was part of a broader anti-corruption movement activated by public outrage following a tragic incident in November, where a concrete canopy at a train station collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals.

Opposition leaders and human rights organizations within Serbia have accused the government of using an acoustic device, which is banned in many contexts for its capability to temporarily incapacitate individuals through targeted sound waves. These groups have announced plans to file complaints with both domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights against those they believe ordered the use of such devices.

While Serbian officials have not disputed the possession of these acoustic weapons, they insist that no such measures were taken at the protest. Nonetheless, the tense atmosphere and subsequent panic during the event have raised serious concerns regarding state practices in crowd control.

Reports describe moments of chaos when a sudden whooshing sound reportedly triggered panic among the crowd, leading to a stampede as attendees scrambled for safety. Eyewitness accounts highlight the confusion, with individuals falling over one another as they fled the perceived threat.

Experts indicate that exposure to sonic weapons can lead to intense ear pain, disorientation, and in severe cases, permanent hearing damage. Such consequences underscore the stakes involved when dealing with crowd management and the ethical implications of using potentially harmful technologies against civilians.

An NGO, the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, has condemned what they term “the unlawful and inhumane deployment of prohibited weapons” against peaceful demonstrators, asserting that the government’s actions were aimed at undermining legitimate protests and sowing discord among the populace.

In the wake of these events, President Aleksandar Vucic called for judicial authorities to investigate the claims regarding the use of sonic weapons. He suggested that, while he believes no such weapons were deployed, a thorough inquiry should be conducted. Vucic expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation, urging legal action against those who might be perpetuating what he described as “notorious lies.”

The Belgrade emergency hospital has also refuted claims of many individuals seeking medical assistance following the protest, asserting that there were no significant injuries resulting from the alleged sonic weapon use.

The situation remains fraught with tension as Serbia grapples with both the fallout from recent protests and ongoing public discontent regarding issues of governance and accountability.

Source
www.cbc.ca