The European Commission has received reports regarding the purported use of a sound cannon or similar weapons against peaceful demonstrators in Serbia and urges the authorities to thoroughly investigate these claims, stated spokesman Guillaume Mercier.

“We are aware of reports and assertions concerning the deployment of such equipment. We anticipate a prompt, transparent, and credible investigation into these claims and remind that under EU Human Rights Law, authorities are obligated to safeguard all protest participants from harm and violence,” Mercier remarked.

He noted that they are closely observing the situation, including “the protests in Serbia where citizens are seeking the rule of law and robust, accountable democratic institutions.”

The European Commission has confirmed that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is expected in Brussels next week for a meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Footage shared on social media shows crowds gathered at a protest near Slavija Square on Saturday, paying tribute to victims of a canopy collapse in Novi Sad. After hearing a loud noise, the crowd moved away in large numbers.

This incident induced panic among citizens, and there is currently no official explanation regarding the cause of the crowd’s reaction.

Students who organized the blockade, calling for accountability over the Novi Sad concrete canopy collapse, have accused the authorities of deploying a sound cannon during a 15-minute silence observed for the 15 lives lost.

Several opposition parties have made similar accusations against the government regarding the use of sound cannons.

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense have denied any use of sound cannons during the protest on March 15. These assertions were also dismissed by Interior Minister Ivica Dačić, outgoing Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office (VJT) in Belgrade has instructed the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate and identify individuals who disseminated information suggesting that the Emergency Center treated numerous citizens for ailments potentially linked to a so-called “sound cannon” on Saturday.

The VJT’s statement indicates their response came after the Emergency Center at the University Clinical Center of Serbia refuted these claims circulating on social media.

The non-governmental organization Belgrade Center for Human Rights reported on March 16 that they were approached by numerous citizens who experienced effects resembling those from a sound cannon during the protest.

It was also reported that individuals experienced a significant wave of heat, a loud noise akin to a fast-moving vehicle or aircraft, followed by sensations that felt like a strong wind pushing them down, as if something explosive had just passed by.

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