A mysterious sound heard during a 15-minute silent protest in Belgrade on Saturday night has sparked panic among demonstrators, with reports suggesting it may have been caused by a “sonic cannon,” a non-lethal weapon owned by Serbia’s security system.
Military analyst Aleksandar Radić told N1 that the device, which emits powerful sound waves, was likely deployed against the protesters. However, Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) denied the use of sonic cannons, stating they are prohibited.
Sonic weapons are designed to emit high-intensity sound waves that can cause headaches, nausea, disorientation, and even permanent hearing damage. They are often used for crowd control, riot suppression, and military operations. Some versions also serve to deter birds from airports or disrupt electronic equipment.
Eyewitnesses at the protest reported distressing physical symptoms, reinforcing concerns about potential state-sponsored suppression tactics. The alleged use of such weapons raises serious human rights questions, especially given the increasing tensions in Serbia over anti-government demonstrations.
