The European Court of Human Rights has requested that the Republic of Serbia submit a statement by March 31 regarding the alleged use of sonic weapons during the protest in Belgrade on March 15.
Late last night, the European Court of Human Rights requested that the Republic of Serbia provide answers to questions regarding the possible use of sonic weapons at the protest in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. The Government has been given until March 31 of this year to clarify whether prohibited means were used against the demonstrators, what legal basis—if any—existed for the alleged use of that type of weapon, and what measures are in place to prevent arbitrary deployment of such devices. Serbia’s deadline to respond is next Monday, March 31, 2025.
On behalf of 47 citizens of Serbia, and in connection with the incident that interrupted the 15-minute tribute to the victims of the tragedy at the Novi Sad railway station, the following civil society organizations submitted a request to the European Court of Human Rights: Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, CRTA, FemPlatz, Civic Initiatives, the A11 Initiative for Economic and Social Rights, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights – YUCOM.
In the application sent to the Court in Strasbourg for the imposition of interim measures, these organizations underscored that the 15-minute moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy was violently disrupted by the use of an as yet unknown and dangerous sonic or similar device. This device caused physical injury, severe distress, panic, and a stampede among those gathered. Furthermore, the organizations reported that more than 4,000 citizens of Serbia have contacted them about what happened, reporting a range of health issues, physical injuries, and physical and psychological problems or symptoms.
The highest officials and representatives of Serbia’s institutions initially denied the state possessed any type of sonic weapon. Subsequently, under public pressure, they revealed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs units have in possession at least 16 “LARD” devices of varying intensities. To remind, the use of such weapons in Serbia is illegal and that no legal procedures for procuring such equipment were carried out according to current regulations.
The European Court of Human Rights has also asked the citizens who approached the Court to submit, by March 31, 2025, specific information regarding their health conditions and any resulting consequences for the health of those exposed to sonic or similar devices during the peaceful protest gathering in Belgrade on March 15, 2025.
Our organizations will continue to assist citizens in establishing the truth about the events of March 15, safeguarding their rights and interests in proceedings before international and domestic bodies.
