PACE condemns alleged sonic weapon use at Belgrade protest

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has deplored the alleged use of a sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade in March 2025. The condemnation comes as part of a broader resolution addressing concerns over law enforcement actions during mass protests.

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The parliamentarians deplored incidents of abuse of force by law enforcement authorities, arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment in custody during mass protests … and the alleged use of a sonic weapon to disperse crowds during the mass demonstration in Belgrade on 15 March 2025.

In a press release, PACE parliamentarians expressed dismay over alleged abuses of force, arbitrary arrests, and ill-treatment of individuals in custody during these demonstrations. The assembly also voiced concern regarding the political climate in Serbia, characterized by significant polarization and ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition, student movements, and civil society.

While PACE acknowledged Serbia's progress in combating corruption and reforming its judiciary since joining the Council of Europe in 2003, the resolution also highlighted concerns about the state of democracy, the rule of law, and public freedoms. The assembly welcomed constitutional amendments adopted in February 2022 and several laws related to the judiciary and prosecution services.

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PACE welcomed the progress made by Serbia as regards combating corruption and the reform of the judiciary and prosecution services since its accession to the Council of Europe in 2003, in particular the adoption of amendments to the Constitution in February 2022 and of several laws on the organization of the judiciary and prosecution service.

Based on reports from Victoria Tiblom and Yunus Emre, the PACE resolution calls on Serbian authorities to avoid the unnecessary use of force against protesters and to conduct independent investigations into alleged incidents. Furthermore, it urges an end to reprisals and intimidation against civil society activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and independent media outlets. PACE also emphasized the need to ensure a supportive environment for their work and called for the prompt amendment of certain laws, in line with Venice Commission recommendations.

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PACE called the Serbian authorities to “avoid the use of unnecessary force against protesters” and to conduct independent investigations into these cases, stop reprisals and intimidation against civil society activists, human rights defenders, journalists and independent media outlets, and ensure a conducive environment for their work.