The public prosecutor’s office in Milan has initiated an investigation into allegations that Italian citizens participated in “sniper safaris” during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Reports suggest that these individuals travelled to Bosnia-Herzegovina to pay for the opportunity to shoot civilians in the besieged city of Sarajevo.
Background of the Investigation
The complaint was submitted by journalist Ezio Gavazzeni, who described these events as a “manhunt” carried out by wealthy individuals passionate about weapons. He claims these tourists paid varying amounts to kill defenseless civilians from Serb-controlled hills around Sarajevo.
- More than 11,000 civilians lost their lives during the four-year siege of Sarajevo.
- Yugoslavia’s civil war saw Sarajevo surrounded and subjected to constant attacks.
Details of the Sniper Safaris
Charges of murder are being investigated, led by counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis. Gavazzeni’s findings include testimony from a Bosnian military intelligence officer indicating that these sniper safaris were known to local forces by late 1993.
Italian military intelligence, Sismi, reportedly learned of the situation by early 1994 and intervened to halt the expeditions temporarily. Allegations have surfaced that tourists from various countries, including Italy, the US, and Russia, participated in these activities.
Revelations from the Documentary
Gavazzeni returned to this issue after viewing “Sarajevo Safari,” a 2022 documentary by Slovenian filmmaker Miran Zupanic. This film claims multiple nationalities were involved in these killings. In February, Gavazzeni presented a 17-page report including evidence from former Sarajevo mayor Benjamina Karic.
Current Status of Investigations
The investigation in Bosnia has reportedly stalled, while Gavazzeni estimates that at least a hundred individuals participated in these purported activities. He noted that Italians may have paid significant amounts—up to €100,000—during these sniper tours.
Additionally, the case received media attention in July when it was reported that Italian participants used minivans and paid bribes at checkpoints, falsely claiming to be on humanitarian missions. Gavazzeni referred to their actions as reflecting “the indifference of evil.” Prosecutors are currently working to identify potential witnesses to advance the investigation.
