The European Commission has once again called on Serbian authorities to thoroughly investigate allegations that a sound cannon was used during an anti-government protest in Belgrade on March 15, 2025.
“As previously emphasized, we expect a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into the allegations regarding the use of sound weapons against demonstrators,” the European Commission’s press service stated.
Renewed EU Pressure Following Media Reports
The renewed appeal from Brussels comes after European media reopened the issue, particularly following a report by Politico, published on January 15, which claimed that Serbian intelligence services, in cooperation with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), tested sound cannons on dogs while investigating protesters’ claims.
Officials from the European Commission confirmed they were aware of what they described as “disturbing reports.”
“Relations with Russia cannot continue as usual, especially when it comes to security matters,” the Commission stated, recalling that European human rights standards require authorities to protect demonstrators from injury and violence.
Serbia Denies Use, Cites Russian Investigation
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić previously presented a report allegedly prepared by the Russian FSB, which concluded that no banned sound weapon was used during the protest.
According to the report, published on the website of Serbia’s Security Information Agency (BIA), sonic devices owned by Serbian police were tested on dogs at a BIA training facility. The document claims that no biological distress or lasting effects were observed.
“Based on the obtained results, it can be categorically concluded that sound devices were not used during the March 15 protest,” Vučić stated at the time.
Notably, the FSB has never publicly confirmed the authenticity or findings of the report.
Ongoing Questions and Health Complaints
Despite official denials, no clear explanation has been provided for the panic that suddenly erupted among thousands of demonstrators during a silent vigil honoring victims of the Novi Sad tragedy, which left 16 people dead.
Numerous participants later reported health problems, including dizziness, nausea, loss of sensation, high blood pressure, and hearing issues in the days following the protest.
Authorities initially denied possessing sound cannons, later admitting that Serbian police do own sonic devices, while insisting they “have never been used.”
International Scrutiny Continues
In addition to the European Commission, the European Court of Human Rights has launched its own examination of the incident. Serbian authorities also invited both the FSB and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to conduct “independent investigations,” though there is no public information on whether the FBI responded.
The issue remains one of the formal demands of student-led protest movements currently active across Serbia.
