European court orders Serbia to ban sonic weapons against protesters

In March 2025, significant demonstrations took place in Serbia as part of ongoing anti-corruption protests. Following a massive anti-government rally on March 15, allegations surfaced that a sonic weapon was directed at peaceful protesters, causing chaos and mass panic. These claims prompted 47 Serbian nationals to file complaints, citing intense psychological and physical symptoms experienced during the protest, which were corroborated by footage showing people fleeing in fear. The European Court of Human Rights, headquartered in Strasbourg, responded to these allegations by stating that Serbia must prevent the use of such devices for crowd control. They emphasized that any sound device used beyond communication purposes must be banned in the future. Serbian authorities, who initially denied possessing sonic devices, later admitted they own several, igniting further controversy. The court's ruling reflects an ongoing concern regarding the legality and potential health risks associated with sonic weapons during protests, especially given the historical context of these protests that ignited after a tragic incident where a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people due to alleged government negligence and corruption. This ruling aims to ensure the safety and rights of citizens during demonstrations, highlighting the need for accountability in the use of force by authorities.