The Milan public prosecutor has launched an investigation into shocking claims that Italian citizens traveled to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s to participate in “sniper safaris” targeting civilians in besieged Sarajevo.
According to journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni, wealthy individuals with a passion for firearms allegedly paid large sums to shoot at defenseless men, women, and children from Serb-controlled hills overlooking the city. Different rates were reportedly applied based on the victim’s age and gender.
During the four-year siege of Sarajevo, more than 11,000 people lost their lives amid constant shelling and sniper fire as the city was encircled by Serb forces.
Gavazzeni’s investigation, based on testimonies including that of a Bosnian military intelligence officer, suggests that Italy’s Sismi military intelligence was informed of the sniper tours in early 1994. Officials reportedly intervened, stopping the trips within a few months.
The journalist, who has a background in reporting on terrorism and organized crime, revisited the story after viewing the 2022 documentary Sarajevo Safari by Slovenian filmmaker Miran Zupanic. The documentary claims participants came from multiple countries, including Italy, the US, and Russia. Gavazzeni submitted a detailed 17-page report to Italian prosecutors in February, which also cites former Sarajevo mayor Benjamina Karic.
The investigation could now lead to murder charges against those involved.
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