The European Commission has received reports regarding the alleged use of sound cannons or similar devices against peaceful protesters in Serbia, urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into these claims, stated spokesperson Guillaume Mercier.

“We have noted reports and allegations concerning the deployment of such equipment. We expect a prompt, transparent, and credible investigation into these claims. It’s essential to remember that, under EU Human Rights Law, authorities are required to safeguard all participants of protests from harm and violence,” Mercier remarked.

He further mentioned that they are actively monitoring the situation, including the protests in Serbia, where citizens are advocating for the rule of law and robust, accountable democratic institutions.

The EC has confirmed that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is scheduled to meet with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels next week.

Social media videos depicted citizens congregating at a protest near Slavija Square on Saturday, which honored those who died during the collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad. Following the incident, the crowd suddenly shifted to the side in response to a loud noise.

This occurrence triggered panic among the attendees, and official details regarding the cause of the crowd’s reaction remain unavailable.

Students at the blockade, who called for the Saturday protest, demanded accountability for the canopy’s collapse, accusing authorities of employing a sound cannon during a 15-minute moment of silence for the 15 victims.

Several opposition parties have also accused the government of utilizing sound cannons.

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defense refuted claims of using a sound cannon during the protest on March 15. Such allegations were 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 tasked the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office with investigating individuals who disseminated information suggesting that the Emergency Center treated numerous citizens for conditions potentially linked to a so-called “sound cannon” on Saturday.

The VJT stated that it acted after the Emergency Center of the University Clinical Center of Serbia rejected the claims circulating on social media.

The non-governmental organization Belgrade Center for Human Rights reported on March 16 that they were contacted by many citizens who experienced the effects of the sound cannon during the Saturday protest.

Furthermore, citizens reported feeling a strong heat wave, a loud roar, and noise akin to a high-speed plane or vehicle, followed by a sensation of wind that knocked them down, as if a rocket had flown by.

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