Serbian government denies using 'sonic weapon' at protest - DW (English)

Serbian Government Denies Deploying 'Sonic Weapon' During Mass Protests - DW (English)

Belgrade is facing intense scrutiny after allegations surfaced that authorities deployed a "sonic weapon" against protesters during recent mass demonstrations. The Serbian government categorically denies these claims, calling them baseless and designed to destabilize the nation. The protests, described as the largest in Serbia's history, drew hundreds of thousands of people expressing discontent with the current administration.

Public dissatisfaction has been brewing in Serbia for months, fueled by concerns regarding alleged electoral irregularities and government corruption. Previous demonstrations have been met with forceful responses from law enforcement, leading to increased tensions and accusations of excessive force. The current controversy surrounding the alleged use of a "sonic weapon" only intensifies these existing anxieties and further erodes public trust.

Reports began circulating following the peak of the protests, with some participants claiming to have experienced disorientation, nausea, and headaches. These symptoms, they alleged, were consistent with exposure to high-intensity sonic devices. The Serbian government, in a press statement released earlier today, vehemently denies utilizing any such technology. They maintain that security forces acted within legal boundaries and only employed standard crowd control measures.

"These are blatant attempts to smear the reputation of our law enforcement and sow discord among the population," declared a government spokesperson. The spokesperson further stated that an internal investigation has been launched to thoroughly examine all allegations of misconduct. However, skepticism remains high among protest organizers and within the international community.

The implications of deploying a 'sonic weapon,' if proven true, could have severe consequences for Serbia's standing on the global stage. According to experts, the use of such devices raises serious ethical and legal questions, potentially violating international agreements on crowd control tactics. The European Union, in particular, is closely monitoring the situation and has urged the Serbian government to ensure transparency and accountability in its handling of the protests.

Furthermore, the denial by the Serbian government, without independent verification, risks further inflaming tensions and radicalizing segments of the population. Civil society organizations are calling for an independent investigation involving international observers to ascertain the truth and prevent future escalations. "Trust is paramount in a democracy," stated a representative from a leading human rights organization. "Only a transparent and impartial inquiry can restore faith in the system and de-escalate the current crisis."

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the alleged deployment of a 'sonic weapon' underscores the fragility of the political landscape in Serbia. Moving forward, open dialogue, independent investigation, and a commitment to human rights are crucial for restoring stability and rebuilding trust between the government and the people. The situation remains fluid, and the international community will be watching closely to see how the Serbian government responds to these serious allegations.