Serbia’s Interior Ministry has confirmed its gendarmerie units possess LRAD 450XL and 100X systems, a type of long-range acoustic device. Minister Ivica Dacic acknowledged their presence in a recent TV interview, noting one unit was non-operational due to battery issues. He explicitly denied their deployment against protesters during the March 15 demonstrations.
Serbian Gendarmerie Confirms LRAD Possession
The Serbian Interior Ministry has officially confirmed that its gendarmerie units are equipped with LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) 450XL and 100X systems. This confirmation comes amidst public speculation regarding the capabilities and equipment of Serbian law enforcement.
Minister Dacic’s Acknowledgment and Denial
In a recent television interview, Minister Ivica Dacic openly acknowledged the presence of these LRAD systems within the gendarmerie’s inventory. However, he clarified that one of the devices was currently non-operational, attributing the issue to dead batteries. Crucially, Minister Dacic firmly denied any use of these LRAD systems against protesters during the demonstrations that took place on March 15.
Key Takeaways
- The Serbian Interior Ministry has confirmed the possession of LRAD 450XL and 100X systems by its gendarmerie units.
- Minister Ivica Dacic publicly acknowledged the devices, noting one was inoperable due to battery issues.
- Minister Dacic explicitly denied the use of LRAD systems against protesters on March 15.
Understanding LRAD Systems
LRAD systems are acoustic hailing devices designed to broadcast messages and warning tones over long distances. While primarily used for communication and deterrence, they can also emit highly focused, high-decibel sounds. Their use by law enforcement has been a subject of debate globally, with concerns often raised about potential health impacts and their application in crowd control scenarios.
