Serbia Accused of Deploying Sonic Weapon During Mass Protest in Belgrade

Government officials deny allegations of using a banned acoustic device during a rally honoring victims of the Novi Sad railway disaster.

Protesters claim a piercing noise caused panic during a peaceful rally in Belgrade, leading human rights groups to accuse the government of using a sonic weapon.
Serbian officials, including President Aleksandar Vučić, have denied the allegations and called for investigations into both the claims and those spreading them.
The protest, attended by tens of thousands, marks months of demonstrations over the November Novi Sad railway station roof collapse that killed 15 people.
Military analysts and activists have noted Serbia's prior attempts to legalize acoustic crowd-control devices, though their use remains prohibited under current law.
The European Union and United Nations have urged Serbian authorities to protect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure the safety of demonstrators.