Introduction: On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Serbian activists delivered a petition signed by nearly 600,000 people to the United Nations in Belgrade, demanding an international investigation into the alleged use of sonic weapons against protesters. The claims stem from last month’s massive anti-corruption demonstrations—the largest in Serbia in decades—which descended into chaos amid reports of unexplained noises and lasting health effects. This escalating controversy has put Serbia’s government under scrutiny, raising global questions about protest management and human rights.
A Petition Fueled by Panic and Testimonies
The petition, spearheaded by the KreniPromeni (Go for Change) movement, follows a protest that saw crowds fleeing in panic after hearing a deafening noise. Social media footage captured the chaos, with some describing the sound as resembling “a plane about to crash” or “a car rushing toward them.” Over 3,000 testimonies collected by civil society groups allege health issues like hearing problems and disorientation, fueling suspicions of a sonic weapon or “sound cannon” deployment—claims Serbia’s authorities vehemently deny.
“The nearly 600,000 people who signed this petition reflect a high level of civic awareness,” said KreniPromeni president Savo Manojlovic during a press conference. The movement is calling for accountability for those who may have ordered or enabled such tactics.
Evidence and Official Denials
Photos circulating post-protest show a police vehicle equipped with a device resembling the US-made LRAD 450 acoustic device, according to military analyst Aleksandar Radic in an interview with AFP. While Interior Minister Ivica Dacic admitted police possess such equipment, he denied its use on demonstrators. President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed the allegations as “lies.” Meanwhile, an official investigation has been launched, with Serbia requesting assistance from the FBI and Russia’s FSB, though details remain sparse.
The controversy reignited this week when former deputy premier Cedomir Jovanovic inadvertently referenced a sonic weapon on live TV, saying, “Someone played it, like music—a thunderous sound,” before clarifying it was meant to “scare, not injure.” He was later questioned by police.
Roots of Serbia’s Protest Movement
The unrest traces back to November 2024, when the newly renovated roof of Novi Sad train station collapsed, killing 16 people. Widely viewed as a symbol of systemic corruption, the tragedy sparked a student-led movement that has grown into Serbia’s largest upheaval since the 1990s. For more on Serbia’s political climate, visit BBC Serbia.