Serbian Opposition Leader Accuses Authorities of Political Manipulation Over 'Sonic Cannon' Probe

Belgrade, Serbia – Opposition leader Miroslav Aleksić has accused Serbian authorities of orchestrating a "new kind of political campaign" through a renewed investigation into the alleged use of a "sonic cannon" at a protest on March 15, 2025. Aleksić, head of the People's Movement of Serbia (NPS), described the investigation as a manipulation of public opinion and a "sick" attempt to insult citizens' intelligence.

Aleksić claims President Aleksandar Vučić is attempting to establish a precedent: "I beat you, and now I will arrest you because I beat you." He alleges that the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade is being used to advance a political agenda, particularly by questioning individuals who claimed the device was used against peaceful demonstrators. The public service broadcaster RTS has also been criticized for airing a special program on the topic, which the opposition deems propaganda.

The investigation, which seeks to review documentation and interview witnesses about the sonic cannon's use, comes over a year after the protest. Civil society and citizens reported experiencing symptoms like dizziness and nausea after the alleged deployment of the device. The authorities had previously denied using such a weapon, then admitted possession of LRAD 450XL devices, only for the newspaper Danas to reveal they were mounted on police vehicles present that day.

Furthermore, Aleksić questioned the legality of the sonic devices' procurement, stating they were acquired in 2021 during Vulin's tenure as police minister. He demanded to know if the prosecution was investigating Vulin for illegal acquisition, as such devices are not recognized as legal means of coercion. Aleksić also referenced the "Jovanjica" case, claiming that Vladimir Gajić of the People's Party was informed by Serbia's Security Information Agency (BIA) that the suspect Predrag Koluvija had called Andrej Vučić, the president's brother, when he was apprehended.