A shocking incident unfolded in the streets of Belgrade, Serbia, as peaceful protesters were met with a military-grade sonic weapon, leaving many injured and traumatized. The rally, which drew hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in a massive protest against government corruption, took a terrifying turn when riot police deployed the mysterious weapon to disperse the crowd.
Witnesses captured footage showing thousands of rally-goers filling the city’s streets, standing quietly to observe a 15-minute silence for the victims of a rail station accident. Suddenly, a deafening roar ripped through the place, triggering panic and chaos. Screaming protesters scrambled for cover, leaving the downtown street almost empty as they fell over each other in a desperate attempt to escape the powerful sonic waves.
Many victims of the alleged attack took to social media to share their experiences, complaining of strong headaches, nausea, and disorientation—classic signs of exposure to a sonic weapon. Security experts reveal that these devices can emit up to 160 decibels, far exceeding the human ear’s pain threshold of 120-130 decibels. The effects of such exposure include sharp ear pain, disorientation, and panic, with the potential for eardrum ruptures and irreversible hearing damage in severe cases.
Calls for an independent investigation into the prohibited use of the sonic weapon are mounting in Serbia, with human rights groups and opposition officials vowing to file charges against those responsible for ordering the attack. President Aleksandar Vucic, however, denies the deployment of the crowd-control device, dismissing the claims as a “wicked lie” aimed at undermining Serbia.
Expert Insights on Sonic Weapons
Sonic weapons, devices that use sound waves to harm or disperse individuals or groups, have become a controversial tool in crowd control and deterrence. One such example is the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), which emits high decibel levels of sound to disperse crowds or deter potential threats. While designed to be non-lethal, these devices can cause significant physical and psychological harm, including hearing damage, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Military analyst Aleksandar Radic highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the use of sonic weapons, particularly in situations like the peaceful protest in Belgrade. He questions the rationale behind deploying such a weapon when protesters were calmly observing a moment of silence, suggesting that the act was driven by a desire to display force and instill fear rather than maintain order.
Local witnesses, including a law student named Aleksandar, recount the horror and chaos that ensued when the sonic weapon was unleashed on the crowd. Despite official denials, these firsthand testimonies paint a vivid picture of the terror and confusion experienced by those caught in the sonic blast. MP Zdravko Ponos echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the potential health risks and psychological impact of using such a weapon on civilians.
The Rise of the Protest Movement
The protest movement in Serbia gained momentum following a tragic railway station collapse in Novi Sad, which claimed the lives of 15 people due to alleged corruption and lax oversight in construction projects. The disaster sparked widespread outrage over government malfeasance, leading to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Milos Vucevic.
Saturday’s protest, estimated to have drawn between 100,000 to 300,000 participants, marked a significant turning point in the national movement against corruption. Student-led demonstrators have taken to the streets across Serbia, rallying against dictatorship, lawlessness, and corruption that have plagued the country for years.
Ognjen Djordjevic, a 28-year-old resident of Belgrade, captures the sentiment of many protesters, expressing complete dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for change. The massive turnout at the rally, stretching for nearly two kilometers, underscores the widespread discontent and determination of the Serbian people to hold their leaders accountable.
As the protest movement continues to grow, tensions between demonstrators and authorities have escalated, with reports of clashes and incidents emerging during the protests. The struggle for justice and accountability in Serbia persists, fueled by a wave of resistance that shows no signs of waning.
In the aftermath of the sonic weapon incident, the people of Serbia stand united in their quest for truth, justice, and reform. The echoes of that fateful day reverberate through the streets of Belgrade, a stark reminder of the power of collective action and the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced.
