Was an illegal sonic weapon used against peaceful protesters in Serbia?

Apnews - Mar 26th, 2025

A massive anti-government rally in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 15, 2025, was disrupted by a mysterious and alarming sound, causing panic among the attendees. Witnesses, including Ivana Ilic Sunderic, described a 'sound from hell' sweeping through the crowd, prompting accusations that authorities used a banned acoustic weapon, the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), against peaceful demonstrators. President Aleksandar Vucic denied these claims, dismissing them as Western fabrications intended to undermine his leadership amid ongoing anti-corruption protests triggered by a deadly incident in Novi Sad.

The incident has intensified calls for an independent investigation, with Serbian rights groups appealing to the European Court of Human Rights, and over half a million citizens signing a petition for international oversight. Despite initial denials of possessing the LRAD, Serbian officials admitted to owning the device but insisted it was not used on protesters. The controversy highlights the ethical concerns surrounding sonic weapons and raises questions about the extent of the government's control over security forces, as well as the implications for human rights and public trust in Serbia's leadership.

Human Rights Aleksandar Vucic Ivana Ilic Sunderic Belgrade Protest Sonic Weapon Lrad Serbian Government

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and engaging account of a complex and controversial event involving alleged human rights violations in Serbia. It scores highly in terms of timeliness, public interest, and controversy, given the ongoing nature of the protests and the international implications. The story is well-balanced, presenting both the protesters' claims and the government's denials, though it could benefit from additional independent sources to enhance its credibility. The clarity and readability are strong, though some technical aspects may require further explanation for general audiences. Overall, the article effectively captures the urgency and significance of the situation, while highlighting the need for further investigation and verification of key claims.

Accuracy

The story presents a complex situation involving allegations of sonic weapon use against protesters in Serbia. It accurately includes direct quotes from eyewitnesses and officials, providing a detailed account of the events and the subsequent reactions. However, the claims about the use of sonic weapons require further verification, as the Serbian government denies using such devices. The article mentions that the LRAD is illegal in Serbia, which aligns with the official denials but contrasts with reports of possession and potential use. The inclusion of expert opinions and the call for international investigations adds depth but also highlights the need for more concrete evidence to substantiate the claims.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the protesters' claims and the government's denials. It includes statements from President Vucic and other officials, alongside eyewitness accounts and expert opinions, which helps to offer a comprehensive perspective. However, the article could benefit from more input from independent observers or international human rights organizations to further balance the narrative. The coverage of both sides of the argument is fair, but the emphasis on the dramatic descriptions of the event may slightly skew the reader's perception towards the protesters' viewpoint.

Clarity

The article is well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the sequence of events and the various perspectives involved. The use of clear and concise language makes the complex topic accessible to a general audience. The inclusion of direct quotes helps to convey the emotions and urgency of the situation effectively. However, some technical terms related to sonic weapons and their effects might require further explanation for readers unfamiliar with such technology.

Source quality

The sources in the article are credible, including eyewitnesses, government officials, and experts in electronic warfare. The use of direct quotes and attributions to specific individuals enhances the reliability of the information presented. The inclusion of a well-known think tank and the mention of international bodies being involved in the investigation add to the story's credibility. However, the reliance on a single news agency, AP, may limit the diversity of perspectives and could be supplemented by additional independent sources to strengthen the report's authority.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly outlining the sources of its information and the context of the events. It specifies the date and location of the protest and provides detailed descriptions of the alleged incident. The article also mentions the legal status of the LRAD in Serbia, which is crucial for understanding the gravity of the allegations. However, the methodology behind the claims, such as how eyewitness testimonies were gathered or verified, is not fully explained, leaving some gaps in transparency.