Democratic Party warns international partners of student 'criminalization' campaign

Serbia's Democratic Party (DS) has formally notified international partners and European institutions about what it describes as a dangerous escalation by the government against students. The party cited events from March 15, 2025, involving the alleged use of acoustic weapons against peaceful protesters in Belgrade.

According to the DS, instead of launching an independent investigation into the incidents that have drawn international concern, the authorities are trying to shift blame onto the victims. The party stated that recent declarations by high-ranking officials and a coordinated campaign in state-controlled media promote a narrative suggesting students either organized or faked an incident involving a "sound cannon."

This narrative, the DS warns, falsely portrays victims and witnesses of potential state abuses as perpetrators. The party expressed concern that this campaign could pave the way for new forms of repression, including potential criminal proceedings against students and citizens who have reported harm. The Democratic Party has called on its international partners to closely observe the actions of the Serbian prosecution and police, to reject any attempts to criminalize students, and to keep the issue of the alleged use of acoustic weapons and the subsequent intimidation campaign high on the international agenda.

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The Democratic Party has warned that in recent days, through statements by high state officials and a coordinated campaign by regime media, a narrative is being promoted according to which students allegedly organized or simulated the incident with the 'sound cannon,' thereby presenting victims and witnesses of possible state abuses as perpetrators.