Citizen Testimonies: A Sound That Overpowers, Panic, and Anxiety – Suspected Use of Crowd Control Devices
16. March 2025.
Građanske Inicijative, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, CRTA, FemPlatz, the Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights (YUCOM), and the A11 Initiative are collecting testimonies from citizens who were present during the incident at the March 15 protest in Belgrade, where there is serious suspicion that a crowd control device was used.
Within a short period, the organizations received over five hundred reports via phone, email, and social media, as well as through a dedicated questionnaire. According to testimonies, at 19:11 and 19:12, particularly in Kralja Milana Street—between Beograđanka, the Student Cultural Center (SKC), the Yugoslav Drama Theatre (JDP), and Masarikova Street—those present experienced a powerful sonic impact, accompanied by a wave of heat or wind. Witnesses described the sound as a deep roar resembling a jet engine or a train in a tunnel, combined with a high-frequency whistle, a cannon blast, or an explosion. Many reported the sensation of a massive vehicle, a stampede, or an invisible force rushing toward the crowd, triggering panic and instinctive fear.
The preliminary analysis of testimonies indicates that the wave originated from the direction of Terazije, Beograđanka, and the National Assembly, as confirmed by the majority of respondents. Citizens closer to Beograđanka building mainly reported that the wave came from the Assembly or the city center, while those near Slavija and JDP perceived it coming from behind them, from Kralja Milana Street. As more testimonies are gathered, a comprehensive analysis will be conducted to determine the precise direction and source of the wave based on witness locations and their perceptions.
Most witnesses reported intense fear, panic, and shock, accompanied by an accelerated heart rate, trembling, disorientation, and a feeling of losing control. Some experienced headaches, ear pressure, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, severe head pressure, and a burning sensation on their bodies. Many suffered panic attacks, anxiety, and prolonged distress, while some fainted or sustained injuries due to the stampede, including sprains, dislocations, and cuts.
The incident occurred during a 15-minute silence held in memory of the 15 victims of the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, at a moment when citizens were standing peacefully in tribute.
Based on the collected testimonies, it is evident that a strong sonic impact occurred during the protest, causing a range of physical and psychological reactions among those present. The fact that this incident took place during a moment of silence to honor the victims raises serious questions about its origin, circumstances, and the responsibility of those involved.
We will continue to collect testimonies in order to prepare and submit complaints to relevant domestic and international bodies. We call on the competent institutions to urgently investigate these allegations and inform the public of their findings.
Ključne naučene lekcije i primeri dobre prakse tokom sprovođenja projekta “Podrška (potencijalnim) žrtvama krijumčarenja migranata i trgovine ljudima u Srbiji”
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
