Serbia's populist government is facing increased public scrutiny over reports that it used a sonic weapon against a peaceful crowd during a massive anti-corruption rally in the capital, Belgrade, on March 15. Witnesses say the sound, like a whiz or a jet, was frightening and sparked panic among the hundreds of thousands taking part in the protest. Sonic weapons use sound waves to incapacitate, disorient or harm individuals by harnessing acoustic energy. Serbia’s security agencies have issued daily denials that they used such a device against demonstrators. Rights groups say they've lodged a case at the European Court of Human Rights, which has given the Serbian government till the end of the month to respond.
