Sonic weapon attack

During the 15 minutes of silence held in memory of the 15 victims of the Novi Sad train station collapse, at Serbia's largest-ever protest on 15 March 2025, an unidentified device was deployed against demonstrators in central Belgrade - causing panic and physical symptoms among thousands of people. The state denied any use of prohibited weapons, while civil society organizations collected over 3,000 testimonies, initiated proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights, and filed a criminal complaint for terrorism. On 30 April 2025, the European Court issued an interim measure ordering Serbia to refrain from using sonic devices against protesters. No effective investigation into what happened has followed - instead, the authorities invited Russia's FSB to participate in a process designed to support the government's narrative and avoid accountability.
July

On 17 July 2026, the Ministry of Interior, acting on the order of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, filed a criminal complaint against military analyst Aleksandar Radić - who first raised the sound cannon claim in March 2025 - alleging he endangered Serbia's constitutional order and disclosed classified data. Radić left the country on 24 June 2026; prosecutors have requested his detention and an international arrest warrant. His seized communications show a shifting account of the alleged device and contact with MP Zdravko Ponoš.

On 1 July 2026, police questioned SRCE party leader and member of Parliament Zdravko Ponoš for about ninety minutes at the request of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, examining whether his March 2025 tweet - accusing President Vučić of using a "sound cannon" against protesters marking the Novi Sad tragedy - constituted causing panic and disorder. Ponoš said he was also asked about contacts with military analyst Aleksandar Radić. He said an official record of the interview reached pro-government broadcaster Informer within minutes of it ending.
June

On 23 June 2026, a group of Members of the European Parliament sent a public letter urging the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Belgrade to intervene against the prosecution of students, journalists and activists in Serbia. The signatories tied the crackdown to the aftermath of the 15 March 2025 protest in Belgrade, where citizens reported the use of an acoustic device against demonstrators, and argued that the ensuing legal and police actions amount to coordinated intimidation rather than a legitimate judicial process. The letter, initiated by Vladimir Prebilič (Greens/EFA) and Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D), was co-signed by more than thirty MEPs across five political groups.
Update
Military analyst charged over sound cannon claims, sought after leaving Serbia
Aleksandar Radić, who first claimed a sound cannon was used on protesters, is charged with endangering the constitutional order and leaking secrets; prosecutors want him detained and sought internationally.
Update
MP questioned by police over tweet accusing Vučić of using a sound cannon
Zdravko Ponoš was questioned for ninety minutes over his March 2025 tweet on the alleged sound cannon, with police also asking about contact with military analyst Aleksandar Radić.
Update
MEPs urge European Commission to halt prosecution of students and activists in Serbia
The signatories demand that Brussels publicly condemn the pressure, press Belgrade to drop the charges, and state clearly that targeting civil society is incompatible with EU accession
Update
The interrogations begin: journalist, military analyst, and lawyer questioned over sound cannon stat...
Following last week's announcement by the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office, the interrogations have begun. The first to be questioned over their public statements about the use of a sound cannon at the March 15, 2025 protest were military analyst Aleksandar Radić, editor-in-chief of Srbin.info Dejan Zlatanović, and lawyer and politician Aleksandar Olenik.
Update
Targeting the witnesses: prosecutors go after those who spoke out about the sound cannon
Fifteen months after the sound cannon incident at Serbia's largest-ever protest on 15 March 2025, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade has announced a significant escalation - not against those who allegedly deployed the weapon, but against the protesters, student organizers, doctors, and public figures who reported on it.
Update
One Year After the Sound Cannon: No Accountability, No Justice
Statement by A11, FemPlatz, BCHR, YUCOM, Civic Initiatives and CRTA
Update
Earshot report on the events of March 15: Sonic Attack on a Silent Vigil
“And then from that complete silence, I heard this sound.” (Witness 05)
Update
UN Special Rapporteur: Communication on Pressure on Prosecutors and Judicial Independence in Serbia
Concerned about public statements and pressure on prosecutors and justice officials following the investigation into the alleged use of a sonic weapon.
Update
European Court of Human Rights Orders Serbia to Refrain from Using Sonic Devices for Crowd Control
"The measure serves as an important warning to the Serbian state and as further evidence countering the government’s claim that “nothing significant happened” on March 15."
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