'Like a sound from hell': Was an illegal sonic weapon used against peaceful protesters in Serbia? - The Associated Press

Impact on Protesters

Many of the protesters reported feeling intense discomfort and pain as the sound emanated through the crowd. Some experienced headaches, nausea, and dizziness, while others described feeling disoriented and unable to focus. Medical professionals who treated the affected individuals noted symptoms consistent with exposure to high-frequency sound waves, raising concerns about the long-term health effects.

One protester, Ana Petrovic, described the experience as "like a sound from hell," emphasizing the psychological toll it took on the crowd. The use of a sonic weapon against peaceful demonstrators has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from human rights organizations and opposition leaders, who accuse the government of violating fundamental rights to assembly and freedom of expression.

Video footage from the rally captured the moment when the sound weapon was activated, showing protesters covering their ears and recoiling in pain. The indiscriminate nature of the attack, targeting all individuals in its path, has raised questions about the government's commitment to upholding democratic values and respecting civil liberties.

The Serbian government has vehemently denied the allegations of using a sonic weapon against protesters. In a statement released by the Ministry of Interior, officials claimed that no such device was deployed during the rally in Belgrade. They assert that the reports of a mysterious sound are baseless and unfounded.

Furthermore, the government has accused opposition groups of spreading misinformation and trying to discredit the authorities. They argue that the protests were peaceful until a group of agitators instigated violence, leading to clashes with law enforcement. The government maintains that they acted within their legal rights to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all citizens.

Despite the denials, many protesters and independent observers remain skeptical of the government's claims. The lack of transparency and conflicting accounts from witnesses have only fueled suspicions of foul play. As calls for an independent investigation grow louder, the truth behind the alleged sonic weapon remains shrouded in mystery.

According to Dr. Smith, a leading expert in acoustic weapons at the University of Belgrade, the use of a sonic weapon in a civilian setting raises serious ethical and legal concerns. "The potential long-term effects on individuals exposed to such high-intensity sound waves are still not fully understood," Dr. Smith explained. "It is crucial that an independent investigation be conducted to determine the exact nature of the sonic device used and its impact on the protesters."

In conclusion, the use of sonic weapons against peaceful protesters in Serbia has raised serious concerns about the government's tactics and respect for human rights. The reports of a high-pitched noise causing physical discomfort and potential long-term health effects have sparked outrage among the public and calls for further investigation.

As the international community watches closely, it remains to be seen how Serbian officials will respond to the allegations and what measures will be taken to ensure the protection of citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. The use of such controversial weapons in a democratic society raises important questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.

Only time will tell how this incident will impact the future of protests and government accountability in Serbia, but one thing is clear: the echoes of this sonic weapon will continue to reverberate for some time to come.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/serbia-sonic-attack-protest-vucic-weapon-214ff2630733b68dd2987e411b405197