ECHR interim measure to prevent use of sonic weapon in Serbia

A press release said that the court ruled that the State should prevent the use of sonic weapons or similar devices at future protests by the State and/or non-state actors. “The Court indicated to the Government, until further notice, that any use of sound devices for crowd control (other than for communication purposes) must be prevented in the future,” the April 29, 2025 ruling said.

The court also noted that the use of sound weapons for crowd control is unlawful in Serbia.

“The Court reiterated that the decision did not mean it had taken any position as to whether use of such weapons had occurred on 15 March 2025, and that it is without prejudice to any application the applicants might lodge,” the court ruled and added that the applicants have one month to submit a substantive application.

The Court ruled on an application for an interim measure in the case of Djorovic and Others V. Serbia. “The case concerns the alleged use of a sonic weapon for crowd control by the authorities at demonstrations and concern that it could be used at future demonstrations. The 47 applicants who were part of the March 15 protest requested an interim measure to prevent the use of sonic weapons and the criminal prosecution of people taking part in public debates on its use at the March 15 protest. The applicants also want an effective investigation into the allegations that a sonic weapon had been used.
The press release said that measures like this are only granted by the ECHR on an exceptional basis, when the applicants would otherwise face an imminent risk of irreparable harm.