Around 30 Members of the European Parliament from five political groups have called on the European Commission to halt the persecution of and protect activists, journalists, and students who have spoken out about the alleged use of a sonic weapon in March 2025. One of the signatories is Social Democrat MEP Andreas Schieder, who said that “independent media are an important issue throughout Europe,” N1 reports.
“Especially in these turbulent times, when journalism is under threat across the world—from artificial intelligence as well as disinformation—I believe it is essential everywhere to have strong media platforms, newspapers, and television stations run by journalists who are able to do their job, investigate, and verify information. I signed the letter because we are deeply concerned that developments in Serbia are moving in the wrong direction,” he said.
Schieder added that “there are many indications and signals suggesting that such a weapon was used.”
“There have never been any credible arguments or evidence proving that it was not. We must take these concerns seriously because if peaceful protesters and citizens have been put at risk, that is an issue we cannot ignore. There is evidence from hospitals and medical teams. It cannot simply be dismissed. I do not want to ignore the evidence presented by citizens, and I believe we have every reason to be concerned,” he said.
Commenting on claims that the alleged sonic cannon incident was “simulated,” Schieder described the argument as “one of the most absurd arguments we could have heard.”
“These young people are not simulating or fabricating any evidence—they are victims. In fact, those who advanced the argument that someone staged this to harm others may actually have strengthened the case that a sonic cannon was used. We simply need to listen to the students and to what doctors in hospitals are saying. What is needed is a serious investigation, not disinformation targeting those who claim the incident occurred,” he said.
Schieder also pointed to what he described as abuses against students, saying that “it all fits into the broader picture that we have been observing for months and years.”
“Innocent young people are taking to the streets because they have a vision of how society could be better organized. They are concerned about corruption and believe the system in Serbia needs improvement. Instead, they are met with disinformation campaigns and accusations. That is why it was important for us—30 Members of the European Parliament from different political groups, and I want to stress that—from the left, the Greens, the Socialists, the Conservatives, as well as Liberals and others, to send a clear message of solidarity to the students and these people. We wanted to say that Belgrade is not far from Brussels, and that we are closely monitoring the human rights and civil rights situation there,” Schieder said.
According to him, “the European Parliament’s role is sometimes to clearly highlight a situation, while other institutions—the Council and the Commission—are often more hesitant.”
“But that is precisely why the European Parliament exists: to speak clearly. I also know that Commissioner Marta Kos, speaking on behalf of the entire European Commission, has voiced criticism regarding the rule of law situation in Serbia. I believe this is a clear signal that the European Commission is taking these issues seriously,” he said, adding that he would advise the Serbian authorities “to take them seriously as well.”
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Source: N1, Foto: N1