Authorities hindering sonic device investigation, claims lawyer

Authorities are actively preventing a thorough investigation into the use of a sonic device during a March 15 protest, according to lawyer Vladica Ilić of the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights. Ilić argues that if the government were not involved, it would be actively supporting an investigation rather than obstructing it.

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If this government had no connection to the use of sonic weapons or devices, it would not be doing all that it has done in the past 15 months, but would be conducting a thorough investigation.

"If this government had no connection to the use of sonic weapons or devices, it would not be doing all that it has done in the past 15 months, but would be conducting a thorough investigation," Ilić stated. He added that the government's denial of the device's use and the resulting citizen distress, coupled with attempts to arrest those speaking about it, points to a lack of transparency.

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Even the same prosecutor (Nenad Stefanović) ordered the arrest of some people who spoke about the use of a sonic device at that protest.

Ilić expressed confusion regarding a statement from the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, questioning if the prosecutor was joining the case or taking it over. He confirmed that the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and other organizations received reports from thousands of citizens experiencing physical injuries, anxiety, and distress due to the alleged use of the sonic device. Doctors, including neurologists and ENT specialists, documented these injuries.

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Thousands of citizens have contacted the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and other organizations, claiming they suffered physical injuries and consequences such as anxiety and distress because some means were used at the protest that caused them these traumas.

The lawyer also noted that citizens had already provided statements to the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade. He mentioned that his organization had requested the European Court to implement measures due to the high risk of recurrence and the state's response, a request the court granted. Ilić believes any prosecution of civil society members or doctors would be unfounded and politically motivated, asserting that his organization has evidence and reasons for its actions.

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We had already given a statement after March 15, when the police came to the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights.