After a meeting with top European Union (EU) officials in Brussels, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that Serbian authorities are open to verifying claims regarding the alleged use of a “sound cannon” during a protest in Belgrade on March 15.
“I told my hosts that no such device was used and that we are ready for any kind of verification. We will provide answers to the European Court of Human Rights, even though the use of such devices is not prohibited anywhere in Europe,” Vučić said.
His statement comes after several Serbian NGOs filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of 47 citizens, prompting the court to request Serbia’s response by March 31. The court seeks clarification on whether unauthorized measures were used against demonstrators, the legal basis for such actions, and protections against arbitrary use.
Vučić accused the NGOs of attempting to orchestrate a “color revolution” in Serbia. He also announced that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) would arrive in Belgrade in a few days to investigate the matter, followed by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) within a week.
Meanwhile, students and opposition groups continue to accuse the government of using the device during a moment of silence at a protest addressing the collapse of a concrete canopy in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 deaths.
EU Calls for Reform Progress
Following the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa emphasized Serbia’s EU path, stressing the need for media freedom, anti-corruption measures, and electoral reforms.
“Serbia must deliver on EU-related reforms, especially by taking decisive steps towards media freedom, fighting corruption, and electoral reform. Serbia’s future is in the EU,” von der Leyen stated on X.
Vučić expressed satisfaction with the discussions, reaffirming Serbia’s commitment to EU integration. He noted that Serbia aims to open negotiation clusters 3 and 2 by the end of the year, while also considering the formation of a new government or potential elections.
Serbia’s accession talks have stalled since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 due to Belgrade’s close ties with Moscow and refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia.
