Sensory repression: the indiscriminate use of less-lethal weapons during public assemblies

ABSTRACT In April 2025, the European Court of Human Rights issued an interim measure against Serbia, indicating to the Government that, until further notice, it must prevent any use of sound devices for crowd control by state or non-state actors. The case related to the alleged use of a less-lethal weapon by the Serbian authorities at massive anti-government demonstrations in Belgrade on 15 March 2025, and concerns that it could be used in future. Inspired by this case, the article explores the legal implications of the deployment of a less-lethal weapon against thousands of individuals during a peaceful public assembly. It discusses the international standards of use of less-lethal weapons during public assemblies and advocates for global regulation of their trade. The article delves into the wider issues of the use of force by law enforcement, government accountability, and human rights standards.