Serbian doctors dispute acoustic‑weapon claims in March protest as president cites Russian FSB report

On 15 March 2025 a massive anti‑government protest took place in Belgrade. Thousands of participants later reported headaches, ringing in the ears, disorientation and other symptoms, prompting the Public Prosecutor’s Office to open an investigation into alleged use of an acoustic device known as a “sonic cannon”.

Prominent Serbian physicians, including cardiologist Ilija Srdanović and pulmonologist Slavica Pllavšic, told the media that it is practically impossible for such a large number of people to fabricate identical health complaints. They warned that questioning the credibility of patients could erode public trust in the health system and urged a separate technical examination of any equipment.

President Aleksandar Vučić publicly thanked Russia’s Federal Security Service for a report that found no evidence of an acoustic weapon and used the document to deny the accusations. The report, released through Serbia’s intelligence agency, has been criticised by the EU, the UN and the European Court of Human Rights, which have called for an independent, transparent inquiry.

The doctors plan to bring the matter before the Serbian Medical Chamber, emphasizing concerns about possible political pressure on hospitals and the need for unbiased medical documentation.