The Serbian ambassador to the UK has urged critics to hold off on judgment as an investigation unfolds into claims that an illegal sonic weapon was used against protesters in Belgrade. Goran Aleksic stated that no unlawful weapons were deployed during the anti-government demonstration earlier this month, and he emphasized that independent experts have been invited to conduct a thorough investigation.
Aleksic referred to statements from government officials asserting that nothing illegal was used during the protest. He encouraged people to wait for the investigation’s results before forming conclusions. This call for patience comes amidst rising tensions and public outcry, with over half a million individuals signing a petition demanding an independent inquiry into the incident.
The incident in question occurred during a peaceful protest on March 15, where thousands gathered to honor victims of a tragic disaster in Novi Sad. Witnesses reported a sudden, unnerving noise that sent crowds fleeing in panic. Some described it as a brief, rolling sound that was both unusual and frightening.
Sonic weapons, which are banned in Serbia, can cause serious physical and psychological effects, including dizziness and hearing damage. The Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, has dismissed the allegations as "lies and fabrications," adding to the confusion surrounding the event.
Eyewitness accounts have been pouring in, with many expressing their shock and fear. Ilic Sunderic, who attended the rally, described the atmosphere before the noise as peaceful, contrasting sharply with the chaos that ensued. She noted that she had never experienced anything like it in her years of attending protests.
The situation has prompted several Serbian human rights organizations to escalate their response. They have approached the European Court of Human Rights, presenting over 4,000 statements from individuals who reported various physical and psychological issues following the protest. As the investigation continues, many are calling for clarity and accountability in the face of these alarming claims.