Vucic defends FSB report, criticizes media on protest 'sound cannon' claims

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has strongly defended a joint report by Serbian authorities and Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) that concluded no "sound cannon" was deployed during a large protest in Belgrade on March 15, 2025.

Vucic expressed gratitude for the FSB's involvement, calling it one of the world's most reputable intelligence agencies. He asserted that FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov would not risk his professional standing by signing a false report. "If someone had fired a sound cannon, I would not be president for even another day," Vucic stated, emphasizing his confidence in the findings.

The president directed sharp criticism at media outlets N1 and Nova, describing their reporting on the incident as a "history of dishonor." While he does not plan to sue them, Vucic dismissed their claims of wrongdoing. The controversy stems from a sudden, intense noise during the March 15 protest that caused panic and led participants to report symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus.

Despite initial government denials, it was later revealed that police possessed LRAD 450XL units, and vehicles equipped with such systems were present in Belgrade during the demonstration. International bodies called for an independent investigation, but Belgrade's Higher Public Prosecutor's Office focused on prosecuting individuals for spreading "false information."

Vucic has consistently framed the sound cannon allegations as an orchestrated attempt to destabilize Serbia. He noted that while he had invited both the FBI and FSB to investigate, only the Russian agency released a formal report, which categorically stated that Serbian police LRADs were not used. Vucic also dismissed a recent student rally in Novi Sad as insignificant, suggesting the opposition movement has lost its influence.

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If someone had fired a sound cannon, I would not be president for even another day.