Serbia denies sonic cannon use, offers to sell devices

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić has vehemently denied allegations that a "sonic cannon" was used during recent protests in Belgrade. He asserted that the device, known as LRAD, has two modes: one for issuing warnings at a distance and another for emitting disruptive sounds to disperse crowds. Dačić emphasized that the latter function is prohibited in Serbia and that his ministry's devices have never been used, even for public address purposes, despite being legally acquired years ago.

Dačić stated on Radio Belgrade that the claims of using the sonic cannon are "pure lies." He further revealed that he has technically disabled the disruptive mode of the devices. "We are ready to sell them too," he added, suggesting a potential export of the technology.

The minister also addressed the case of military analyst Aleksandar Radić, who was reportedly detained and is now subject to an international warrant. Dačić stated he had no information on Radić's whereabouts but acknowledged he was not in Serbia. He commented on the legal proceedings, explaining that the police gather data and present it to the prosecutor, who then qualifies the offense.

Earlier reports indicated that the Belgrade Public Prosecutor's Office suspected students of planning a "sonic cannon simulation" at a protest on March 15. The office ordered information gathering and interviews with individuals who publicly claimed the device was used against protesters. This led to searches and interviews with figures including analyst Aleksandar Radić, lawyer Aleksandar Olenik, and editors from Srbin.info and Beta news agency.