Serbian police reportedly deployed a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) against student protesters in Belgrade during one of the largest demonstrations in the country’s history. The device, capable of emitting sound at volumes up to 160 decibels, was allegedly activated while protesters at Saturday’s rally, held in memory of the Novi Sad tragedy victims, observed 15 minutes of silence.
At least 100,000 people, primarily university students, took to the streets on Saturday, demanding accountability for the Novi Sad canopy collapse on November 1, 2024. The disaster, which claimed 15 lives, has fueled nationwide unrest over alleged government negligence and corruption.
Footage from the rally shows protesters standing in silence when a sudden whooshing sound triggered panic and a brief stampede.
BREAKING:
The Serbian police just used a LRAD sonic cannon against the student protesters in Belgrade while they were holding their 15 minutes of silence.
LRAD is an acoustic weapon that fires a targeted “beam” of sound at very high volume, up to 160 dB. pic.twitter.com/3LYP41jzmj
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) March 15, 2025
Opposition leaders and human rights organizations swiftly condemned the alleged use of the acoustic device, describing it as “unlawful and inhumane.” The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy announced that they would provide free legal assistance to protesters affected by the incident.
Although the device is part of its arsenal, Serbian police and the defense ministry denied using the illegal weapon. According to military experts, exposure to LRAD can cause sharp ear pain, disorientation, and panic. Prolonged exposure may result in eardrum ruptures and irreversible hearing damage.
🚨🇷🇸 SERBIA’S SOUND CANNON: WHEN PEACEFUL PROTESTS TURN TO CHAOS
The student-led silent vigil in Belgrade honoring the 15 victims of the Novi Sad railway collapse took a turn when police reportedly deployed a sonic cannon blasting up to 160 dB, causing panic and a stampede… https://t.co/6xSVUdzXG5 pic.twitter.com/1CoBohxfmU
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 16, 2025
President Vucic publicly also denied the use of military-grade sonic weapons, stating: “We know they (police) didn’t, but let’s check.” “Let there be a proceeding, but then they should also prosecute those who went public with such a notorious lie,” Vucic said.
The president also praised security forces for maintaining peace and accused protest organizers of attempting to incite disorder.
The collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy instantly killed 14 people, with another succumbing to injuries later. Three others sustained serious injuries from the incident.
The canopy, part of a station that underwent two recent renovations under contracts with Chinese state companies, was poorly constructed, according to reports.
Prosecutors have already charged 13 people in connection with the train station canopy collapse, including a government minister and several state officials.
