Serbian opposition leader Zdravko Ponoš has been interrogated by police following his claims that authorities deployed a sonic weapon against demonstrators during a significant protest in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. The inquiry, led by prosecutors, aims to assess whether Ponoš’ social media assertion about the use of a “sound cannon” could potentially be classified as the criminal offense of inciting panic and disorder.
In his original statement, Ponoš accused government forces of employing a sonic device against attendees of a silent vigil commemorating the victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse. This protest marked one of the largest in Serbian history, with hundreds of thousands gathering to demand accountability for the disaster. During the demonstration, chaos erupted as the crowd unexpectedly scattered, with many participants later reporting an unusual loud sound that preceded the sudden panic.
The Serbian prosecution has initiated an investigation into the incident, exploring whether the alleged use of a sound cannon was staged or misrepresented. As part of this probe, authorities are questioning protest organizers, attendees, and individuals who have publicly commented on the situation. Ponoš has further claimed that details of his police interview were leaked to a media outlet with government ties soon after his questioning concluded.
In response to these developments, a coalition of Serbian civil society organizations has urged the United Nations to conduct an independent fact-finding mission. They argue that the domestic investigation is susceptible to political influence, and an impartial evaluation is necessary to determine whether a sonic device was indeed utilized during the protest.