A gendarme, whose name is known to Danas and who was deployed during the March 15 protest in Belgrade, recounted to Danas that several “sound cannons” were positioned during the protest, with one located behind the Serbian Parliament building.
“The device was mounted on the hood of our ‘Defender’ vehicle, which we refer to as ‘the Indian.’ It’s a Defender without a roof. Next to it was an ‘operator’ responsible for handling this device. In addition to this vehicle, to its left was another vehicle equipped with a similar device. We were informed that this device would be activated if necessary, and we were also instructed on how to respond in the event of activation,” the gendarme told Danas.
He noted that he was not alone by this vehicle at the time, as a whole squad from the Gendarmerie was present.
“The vehicle was hidden and couldn’t be seen from the fence surrounding the Parliament due to construction work. This device ultimately wasn’t used. However, there were several such devices deployed in different locations. We were told that there are also mobile units that are not mounted on vehicles,” the gendarme said.
He explained that each gendarmerie unit (Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kraljevo, Nis) has two of these devices, and this information has never been concealed from the members of the Gendarmerie. However, they had never been taken outside of the base, until the protest, Danas reported.
“We were also told that one device was set up in or near the Presidency building, and that the tractors parked around Pioneers’ Park were placed there specifically to absorb the impact of the cannon if it were used, as we had personnel in the park,” he added.
Regarding the events on Kralja Milana Street, where many claimed this weapon was employed, he said he didn’t know where it could have been fired from, as he was located at the Parliament building.
Danas said its source informed it two days ago that these vehicles are in garages and that he would attempt to take pictures of them.
“I wasn’t able to, as that garage is currently locked,” said the gendarme.
He emphasized that a large number of Gendarmerie members were aware of these vehicles that day.
