One year after the large anti-government protest on March 15 in Belgrade, there is still no official explanation about the powerful sound that caused thousands of demonstrators to panic and flee the streets.
The protest was held while citizens were paying tribute to victims of the Novi Sad canopy collapse. During the silence, a sudden and unusual noise caused the crowd to disperse rapidly.
Serbian authorities deny that a prohibited sonic weapon, often referred to as a “sound cannon,” was used. Their claims were supported by a report from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). However, neither Serbian institutions nor the FSB have explained what actually caused the sound and the reactions among protesters.
Many demonstrators later reported health problems including dizziness, fainting, nausea, high blood pressure and hearing issues.
The case is still in the pre-investigation phase at the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade. Authorities say around 170 citizens have been questioned so far, and statements are still being collected from people who reported health problems after the protest.
Witnesses described hearing strong and unusual sounds and vibrations before thousands of people began running in panic. Some said the experience caused temporary disorientation and emotional distress.
The European Commission has repeatedly called for a quick, transparent and credible investigation into the allegations of sonic weapon use against protesters. According to EU officials, authorities must ensure the protection of people participating in public gatherings in line with European human rights standards.
Human rights organizations have criticized the investigation, saying the lack of progress after a year indicates inefficiency and a failure to determine the cause of the incident.
The European Court of Human Rights has also issued an interim measure requiring Serbian authorities to prevent the use of sonic weapons at protests and to conduct an effective investigation. However, the court has not yet determined whether such a weapon was actually used.
The Russian FSB supported the Serbian government’s position, presenting a report that concluded sonic devices owned by Serbian police were not used during the protest. The report described tests conducted with sound devices, claiming that “biological objects” used in the experiment did not show discomfort.
Critics argue the report was intended to absolve Serbian authorities of responsibility. The document was published on the website of Serbia’s Security Information Agency (BIA) without a signature.
Initially, Serbian officials denied that the country possessed sonic weapons. Later they acknowledged that the police had long-range acoustic devices (LRAD), but insisted they had never been used.
Police later demonstrated the LRAD device publicly, while Interior Minister Ivica Dačić confirmed that the equipment had been present near the Serbian parliament during the protest but claimed it was never activated.
Despite these explanations, many citizens who were present at the protest continue to demand answers about what caused the incident.
Anti-government protests in Serbia have continued since then, with demonstrators demanding accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy and calling for early parliamentary elections.
