Investigators from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) arrived in Serbia at the invitation of local authorities to investigate allegations of the use of a sonic weapon against protesters in Belgrade on March 15, N1 TV reported.
The presence of the Russian investigators was confirmed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic during a meeting with representatives of the pro-government student group "Students 2.0". The organization is demanding an end to the student blockades, which have affected more than 60 faculties in the country. Vucic called the protests a "color revolution".
Participants in the March 15 demonstration accused police of using a sound weapon against them during a 15-minute silence in memory of the victims of the collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1, which killed 16 people. Videos have appeared on social media showing people running away in panic for no apparent reason.
Serbian authorities deny using such a device, initially claiming they did not have such technology.
Belgrade has officially invited both the Russian FSB and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the case. According to Vucic, the Russian experts began work immediately after their arrival yesterday and will stay in the country for about a week, after which they will present their conclusions. He expressed confidence that the investigation will show how the opposition is "manipulating public opinion".
Meanwhile, student blockades in Serbia continue. Today, protesters blocked the headquarters of the pro-government tabloid "Informer", which claims that the demonstrators are acting with Western support to overthrow Vucic.