Ivica Dačić, Serbia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, stated that during the March 15 protests in Belgrade, the sound cannon was not used. He emphasized that the mode of the device is blocked and it was not deployed against citizens. Dačić explained that the police possess sound signaling devices intended to warn people to disperse, but the sound cannon was not used. He also highlighted that all sound effects that could be used are legally regulated and that the police acted with restraint. He noted an increase in public gatherings in the first months of the year but affirmed that order and peace in the country were maintained. Dačić also presented data showing a decrease in overall crime and an increase in crime resolution rates in Serbia.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets might emphasize the government’s restraint and the non-use of potentially harmful crowd control devices like the sound cannon, framing it as a positive sign of respecting citizens’ rights during protests. They may also highlight the increase in public gatherings as a sign of active civic engagement.
Center: Centrist sources tend to report the facts as presented by the Minister, focusing on the official statements about the non-use of the sound cannon, the legal status of the devices, and the statistics on crime and public order. They present a balanced view without strong bias, emphasizing law and order alongside civil liberties.
Right: Right-leaning media may stress the effectiveness and professionalism of the police in maintaining public order despite numerous challenges, including unregistered protests and radical elements. They might highlight the decrease in crime and the government’s firm stance on law enforcement, portraying the police as protectors of stability.