On March 15, a massive anti-government rally in Belgrade, Serbia, was abruptly interrupted by a mysterious and unsettling noise that sent waves of panic through the crowd. Ivana Ilic Sunderic, an attendee, described the noise as a sinister rolling sound that incited fear and confusion among thousands of protesters gathered to hold a peaceful demonstration. The sudden chaos prompted many to question whether the authorities, under President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, deployed a banned acoustic weapon to intimidate the demonstrators.
Accusations have been swirling that Serbian security forces might have utilized an acoustic crowd control weapon, which is prohibited in the country. These devices are known to emit powerful sound waves that can cause severe discomfort, including sharp ear pain, disorientation, and in extreme cases, permanent hearing loss. The event has intensified criticism of Vucic, already under pressure for his government’s handling of anti-corruption protests sparked by a tragic accident that claimed 16 lives.
Despite mounting demands for transparency, Serbian officials have issued conflicting statements. Some deny any use of sonic weapons, while others acknowledge the nation’s possession of such tools, albeit only for lawful purposes. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic claimed that what was seen at the rally were loudspeakers used for crowd management and denied the illegal use of devices such as the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD).
Vucic has dismissed allegations as falsehoods, suggesting they are part of a Western attempt to dismantle his administration. He insists that if any evidence proved the use of a sound cannon, he would resign. Meanwhile, the Serbian opposition has called for international bodies to investigate the incident independently.
Eyewitness accounts describe the event as chaotic and terrifying, with many reporting physical symptoms like headaches, ear pressure, and nausea in the aftermath. Among those affected was Sasa Cvrkovic, a student who likened the noise to a powerful jet. Some individuals reportedly experienced injuries from the panic-induced rush, including a young man who broke his leg.
Experts are skeptical of the official stance. Thomas Withington, a specialist in electronic warfare, noted that the crowd’s reaction was consistent with exposure to an unsettling stimulus, prompting a rapid and collective flight to safety. Predrag Petrovic of the Belgrade Center for Security Policy suggested the possibility of a sonic weapon being employed, considering the unprecedented and linear nature of the ensuing stampede.
The incident has prompted Serbian rights groups to file complaints with the European Court of Human Rights, armed with thousands of testimonies from those experiencing adverse effects. As the European court requests a formal response from Serbia, Vucic’s government has invited both the U.S. FBI and Russia’s FSB to conduct a probe, though there has been no immediate response from these agencies.
The event continues to foster uncertainty and demands for clarity, as many await further developments and the conclusions of any forthcoming investigations. The implications of such episodes on public trust and governmental accountability remain significant, with both national and international bodies closely monitoring the outcomes.