Serbian opposition leader Zdravko Ponoš has become a focal point in an investigation following his claims about the use of a sonic weapon during a massive protest in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. Authorities questioned Ponoš after he publicly alleged that a “sound cannon” was used by the government against anti-government demonstrators. Prosecutors are determining whether his social media post might be considered a criminal act of inciting panic and disorder.
The protest in question, one of the largest in Serbia’s history, saw hundreds of thousands of people gather to demand accountability for the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse. During the demonstration, which was a silent vigil to honor the victims of the disaster, a sudden loud noise led to a brief stampede, causing the crowd to disperse hastily. Many attendees reported hearing an unusual sound before the panic ensued, prompting questions about the possible use of a sonic device.
The Serbian prosecution has since initiated a comprehensive investigation to assess whether the reported sound cannon incident might have been fabricated or misrepresented. As part of this inquiry, protest organizers, attendees, and individuals who commented publicly on the event have been questioned. Ponoš, after his own questioning, claimed that details of his police interview were promptly leaked to a media outlet supportive of the government.
Amidst these developments, a coalition of civil society organizations in Serbia has made an appeal to the United Nations, requesting the establishment of an independent fact-finding mission. They argue that the national investigation has been compromised by political influences, thus necessitating an impartial international probe to uncover the truth about the alleged use of a sonic device during the protest.
