Serbian opposition leader Zdravko Ponoš is under police scrutiny following his claims that authorities deployed a sonic weapon against anti-government protesters in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. The police interrogation is part of an official investigation to ascertain if Ponoš’s social media allegation about a “sound cannon” could be classified as causing public panic and disorder. Ponoš’s accusation centers around a silent vigil held for the victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse, where he alleged the use of the sonic device against peaceful demonstrators.
The March 2025 protest, one of the largest in Serbia’s history, attracted hundreds of thousands of participants demanding accountability for the railway station disaster. During the rally, a sudden loud noise led to a brief stampede, causing the crowd to disperse in panic. Many attendees later recounted hearing this unusual noise, which sparked widespread speculation and concern about the possible use of a sonic device. In response, Serbian prosecutors have launched an investigation, probing whether the incident was real or possibly misrepresented. This inquiry includes questioning protest organizers, participants, and those who publicly commented on the occurrence.
Ponoš has further alleged that details from his police interview were leaked to a pro-government media outlet shortly after he was questioned. This development has added another layer of controversy to the ongoing investigation, raising questions about its impartiality and the influence of political forces. The situation has put Ponoš in a critical spotlight as tensions continue to simmer between the government and opposition forces.
Amid these developments, a coalition of Serbian civil society groups is urging the United Nations to initiate an independent fact-finding mission. They argue that the domestic investigation may be compromised due to political influences and that an objective international inquiry is necessary to determine whether a sonic device was indeed used during the protest. The call for UN involvement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the mistrust surrounding the local investigation, reflecting wider concerns about freedom of expression and the right to protest in Serbia.