The European Union (EU) is aware of claims regarding the use of sound weapons against peaceful demonstrators in Serbia and anticipates a prompt and transparent investigation by Belgrade authorities, stated European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier today.

“We have come across reports and allegations concerning the use of sound weapons against protestors. We urge for a swift, transparent, and credible inquiry into these claims. Authorities must ensure participants in these rallies are protected from violence,” Mercier informed reporters in Brussels.

When pressed by a journalist about which entity the EU expects to carry out the investigation, considering the skepticism towards Aleksandar Vučić’s government among many citizens calling for a transitional government, Mercier emphasized that it is the responsibility of the government to act.

“It is the responsibility of the authorities to investigate; they must take on this task,” Mercier remarked.

Mercier was also questioned on whether Serbia’s European integration might be jeopardized due to last week’s ban on journalists from EU member states and if the Union perceives the Serbian authorities’ investigations against those reporting claims of sound weapon usage at the March 15 protest as an additional threat to media freedom in Serbia.

“I will refrain from speculating whether these incidents will affect Serbia’s EU pathway. However, we expect Serbia to uphold media and expression freedoms. All citizens should have access to information, and Serbia must ensure journalists can move freely and access information, including cross-border movements,” Mercier stated.

He indicated that the EU is “closely monitoring” the political developments in Serbia and the protests where participants demand rule of law and robust, accountable democratic institutions.

“Citizen involvement, transparency, and accountability are crucial for fostering a democratic society. All stakeholders, including civil society organizations, must collaborate towards reforms in Serbia,” Mercier asserted.

Footage from Saturday’s protest on Kralja Milana Street captures citizens suddenly dispersing en masse after a loud noise occurred.

This incident instigated panic among protesters, many of whom reported feeling a wave of heat, a loud roar, and sounds resembling an aircraft or missile passing overhead.

The students who organized the blockade, along with various opposition parties, have accused the authorities of deploying a “sound cannon” during a moment of silence held for the 15 victims in Novi Sad on November 1. This allegation has been denied by leading Serbian officials as well as the Interior and Defense Ministries.

The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has instructed the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate and identify those who circulated information suggesting that the Emergency Center treated numerous citizens for issues potentially caused by a “sonic cannon.” This decision followed the Emergency Center of the University Clinical Center of Serbia’s denial of such claims on social media.

Multiple non-governmental organizations in Belgrade announced this evening that over 3,000 citizens have reached out to report experiences of “sound impact” on Kralja Milana Street, along with health issues and physical injuries.

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