The Army Was Not on High Alert During Belgrade Protest, Claims Serbia's Ministry of Defence

According to Serbia's Ministry of Defence, the military was not on high alert during the major protest in Belgrade on March 15. The Ministry clarified that while a number of military police assisted in guarding important buildings per the request of the Ministry of Interior, allegations by opposition politicians suggesting more extensive military involvement are 'malicious claims' devoid of reality. Such statements have been labeled as 'fake news' by the Ministry, intending to create public unrest for minor political gains. Contributing to the controversy, over 3,000 Serbians reported feeling panic and dizziness caused by an unusual sound at the protest. Despite denials by Serbian authorities of using sound cannons, a prohibited technology, these claims persisted. Outgoing Prime Minister Milos Vucevic turned to Russian and US special services for further investigation, indicating serious international implications. Amidst rising tension, a group of university deans has also raised significant questions about the enigmatic 'sound' and the organization behind the protest activities. They incite further scrutiny into whether a riot control weapon was deployed and demand transparency regarding student camp organization and alleged use of tractors for protest blockades. To muddy the political waters further, notable similarities between the March 15 protest and historic events were drawn by Catalin Ranco Pitu, former head of Romania's Military Prosecutor's Office. He compared the audible disturbances in Belgrade to those used by Nicolae Ceausescu's regime during the Romanian revolution of 1989, suggesting the potential use of psychological warfare tactics. The complex narrative expands as over 500,000 people signed a petition against the 'sound impact,' seeking accountability from the Serbian government. This development has also seen Prime Minister Vucevic putting pressure on the U.S. and Russia for a collaborative investigation. Meanwhile, opposition figures like Marinika Tepic appear to be reinforcing these claims by pointing out the procurement of sound cannon devices by the Ministry of Interior, albeit officials denying their use. While Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic insists upon the lack of substantive evidence for the claimed device usage, the multifold layers of accusations, denials, political maneuvering, and international interest encapsulate a country in the throes of a narrative battle.