BELGRADE, Serbia

A protest in the Serbian capital Belgrade turned chaotic when, according to some analysts, a sonic weapon was likely deployed against demonstrators.

The incident on Saturday sparked widespread controversy as Serbia witnessed one of the largest anti-government protests in its recent history.

During 15 minutes of silence commemorating the 15 victims of last year’s Novi Sad train station collapse, a sudden and piercing noise echoed through the packed streets of Belgrade. The sound caused panic among protesters, leading to frantic attempts to flee and resulting in trampling and injuries.

Videos on social media captured the exact moment when an unknown device causing the noise was allegedly activated. Protesters described the experience as deeply unsettling, with some comparing the sound to “an overwhelming threat rapidly approaching.” Others reported feeling as if “something was about to reach them within seconds.”

Expert suggests use of sonic weapon

Military analyst Aleksandar Radic told N1 TV that the noise was most likely caused by the deployment of a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), commonly known as a sonic weapon.

According to Radic, Serbia’s security forces have had access to this US-made non-lethal weapon since 2022, despite the fact that its use is not legally regulated in the country.

“The LRAD is an aggressive acoustic weapon designed to disable targets by using extreme sound frequencies. It is primarily used for incapacitation,” he said.

Government, president deny allegations as opposition accuses authorities of repression

Both the Serbian Interior and Defense ministries denied any use of a sonic weapon during the protest, dismissing claims that law enforcement deployed an acoustic device to disperse the crowd.

In an unusually sharp statement, Serbia’s Emergency Center at the Belgrade Clinical Center denied reports that individuals sought medical treatment due to “the alleged use of a so-called sonic weapon.”

President Aleksandar Vucic also addressed the allegations, calling them “shameful.” He praised security forces for maintaining order and insisted that the protest was handled peacefully.

But opposition parties slammed the government’s response, accusing Vucic of using sonic weapons against his own citizens. Several opposition leaders announced plans to file criminal charges against those responsible and demanded an independent investigation into the incident.

The protest, one of the largest since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000, drew over 100,000 demonstrators from across Serbia. Initially sparked by student outrage over the train station collapse last November, the movement has grown into a nationwide call for government accountability and reform.

Vucic responds to mass protests, hints at political change

In a national address, Vucic acknowledged the scale of the protests, describing them as driven by “enormous negative energy, anger, and rage.” However, he maintained that security forces acted responsibly and that authorities took no extreme measures to disperse the crowd.

“We will have to change ourselves, although I hope that some others have understood that citizens do not want color revolutions,” Vucic said, referring to previous uprisings in the region, allegedly backed by foreign powers. “It is important that our children go to school and that students return to university.”

Despite widespread calls for his resignation, Vucic signaled that his government is preparing for a political transition. He announced that early next week, parliament will formally acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, initiating a 30-day deadline to form a new government.

If a new government is not formed within this period, parliamentary elections could take place in early June.

Vucevic resigned in January amid mounting student protests, following an incident in which students were beaten by security forces in Novi Sad.

As tensions escalate and government opposition strengthens, Serbia stands at a critical political crossroads, with the coming weeks likely to shape the country’s future.