MEP Urges EU Commission to Address 'Acoustic Weapon' Repression in Serbia

A European Parliament member is calling on the European Commission to intervene in what he describes as legal repression against victims of acoustic weapons in Serbia. Vladimir Bilčik, a Green Party MEP, stated that more than 30 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have signed a letter requesting an investigation into the matter.

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With this letter, we want the Commission to gain some insight and to exert pressure on the authorities to finally get to the bottom of what happened and who is responsible for what happened and to clarify what happened during the use of these weapons.

Bilčik explained that the letter addresses the "legal repression that victims of acoustic weapons in Serbia are experiencing." He claims that institutions are being misused, causing distress to individuals who have suffered consequences. The MEPs' aim is to prompt the European Commission to gain insight and pressure Serbian authorities to reveal what happened, identify those responsible, and clarify the circumstances surrounding the use of these weapons.

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It is truly inappropriate to engage in any form of repression against people who are our people, your people.

"It is truly inappropriate to engage in any form of repression against people who are our people, your people," Bilčik stated. He emphasized that if the European Commission has not yet acted on this issue, it has failed in its duty. He clarified that this concern is not directed against Serbs or the Serbian state but stems from a desire to see democracy flourish in Serbia, where citizens can voice their arguments and be heard.

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And if there was a call, and the authorities ignored it, then it's like putting a finger in the eye on the other side.

Bilčik believes that the situation highlights a threat to democracy in Serbia. He also linked the issue to Serbia's EU accession process, suggesting that progress on reforms, including the opening of new clusters, is necessary. He pointed out that other Western Balkan countries and even Ukraine have opened new clusters. Bilčik stressed the need for an independent judiciary and progress on electoral rolls, beyond just legislative changes, to truly advance democratic reforms in Serbia.

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We have reached a point where the situation needs to calm down and space should be created to implement Cluster 3, for democracy to return to Serbia, for people to be able to freely choose those who will be in power.