Russia to Probe ‘Sonic Weapon’ Incident in Serbia
Tensions are running high in Serbia as the government prepares for a visit from Russian experts to investigate allegations of a “sonic weapon” used during recent protests. The opposition party claims that security forces deployed a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) during the March 15 protests, causing harm to protesters and bystanders. However, the Deputy Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vulin, has denied these claims, stating that specialists from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) will conduct an inquiry to get to the bottom of the matter.
The incident in question occurred during a protest in Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, where thousands of people gathered to express their discontent with the government’s decision to introduce a new tax on retirement savings. The protest turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in several injuries and arrests. The opposition party, the Democratic Party (DS), has accused the security forces of using excessive force and deploying LRAD, a device capable of emitting high-pitched sounds that can cause physical harm and discomfort.
LRAD is a non-lethal weapon that is designed to disperse crowds and control gatherings without causing permanent harm. However, its use has been criticized by human rights groups and some governments, who argue that it can cause long-term damage to hearing and mental health. The device is also banned in some countries, including the UK and the US, due to concerns over its potential use as a weapon of war.
Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vulin, has denied the opposition’s claims, stating that LRAD was not used during the protests. In a statement, Vulin said, “We have a professional security service, and they did not use LRAD. We will cooperate with the Russian FSB experts to clarify this situation and prove that we are not using such weapons.”
The Russian FSB is known for its expertise in counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence, and its involvement in the investigation is likely to be seen as a sign of confidence in Serbia’s security forces. The Russian government has a strong relationship with Serbia, and has provided military and economic support to the country in recent years.
The investigation into the alleged use of LRAD is likely to be closely watched by human rights groups and opposition parties in Serbia. The use of such a device, even if it is deemed non-lethal, raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens. If the allegations are proven to be true, it could lead to further unrest and protests in Serbia, and may even lead to international condemnation of the government’s actions.
The incident is also likely to be seen as a test of Serbia’s commitment to democracy and human rights. The country has been moving towards greater democratic reforms in recent years, but the use of LRAD could be seen as a step backward for the country. The government’s willingness to cooperate with Russia’s FSB experts will also be closely watched, and may be seen as a sign of the country’s willingness to compromise its sovereignty and independence.
In conclusion, the alleged use of a “sonic weapon” during protests in Serbia is a serious concern that requires a thorough and impartial investigation. The Russian FSB’s involvement in the investigation is a sign of confidence in Serbia’s security forces, but it also raises concerns about the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by human rights groups and opposition parties in Serbia, and may have significant implications for the country’s future.
Source:
https://www.rt.com/news/614845-serbia-sonic-weapon-fsb/
