The public prosecutor’s office in Milan is undertaking a serious investigation. Italy investigates claim that tourists paid to go to Bosnia during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s. The investigation centers on allegations that Italian citizens, among others, participated in what has been described as “sniper safaris” in the besieged city of Sarajevo. These individuals allegedly paid substantial amounts of money to shoot at civilians from Serb positions surrounding the city.
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Key Developments
The complaint that triggered the Milan investigation was filed by journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni. Gavazzeni alleges that wealthy individuals with a penchant for weapons engaged in a “manhunt,” paying to kill defenseless civilians from Serb-controlled areas overlooking Sarajevo. Reports suggest that different prices were allegedly charged based on the intended victim, with higher amounts for women or children. The gravity of these allegations is underscored by the fact that more than 11,000 people died during the brutal four-year siege of Sarajevo, a period when Yugoslavia was engulfed in war and the city was under constant shelling and sniper fire.
While similar claims about “human hunters” from abroad have surfaced in the past, the evidence presented by Gavazzeni, including testimony from a Bosnian military intelligence officer, is now under scrutiny by Italian counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis. The charge being considered is murder, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged crimes. Italy investigates claim that tourists paid to go to Bosnia, and this investigation could have significant implications for those potentially involved.
Details of the Alleged “Sniper Safaris”
According to the Bosnian officer’s testimony, Bosnian colleagues became aware of these alleged “safaris” in late 1993. This information was reportedly passed on to Italy’s Sismi military intelligence in early 1994. The response from Sismi, according to the officer, came a few months later. They reportedly discovered that individuals participating in these “safaris” would fly from Trieste, a city in northern Italy near the border, and then travel to the hills surrounding Sarajevo. The officer was reportedly told that the trips had been stopped and would not continue. The claims suggest that these trips ceased within a few months. Italy investigates claim that tourists paid to go to Bosnia, indicating a commitment to uncovering the truth behind these disturbing allegations.
Ezio Gavazzeni, known for his work on terrorism and the mafia, initially encountered the story of sniper tours to Sarajevo three decades ago through a report in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. However, that initial report lacked concrete evidence. He revisited the topic after watching “Sarajevo Safari,” a 2022 documentary by Slovenian director Miran Zupanic. The documentary alleges that individuals from various countries, including the US, Russia, and Italy, were involved in the killings. Following this, Gavazzeni conducted further investigations and submitted his findings, a 17-page file including a report by former Sarajevo mayor Benjamina Karic, to prosecutors in February.
Challenges and Skepticism
While Italy investigates claim that tourists paid to go to Bosnia, an investigation in Bosnia itself appears to have stalled. Gavazzeni, in an interview with Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper, claims that “many” individuals, potentially “at least a hundred,” participated in these alleged activities. He also alleges that Italians paid “a lot of money,” potentially up to €100,000 in today’s terms, to participate. In a related incident, late Russian nationalist writer and politician Eduard Limonov was filmed firing a heavy machine gun into Sarajevo in 1992. He was accompanied by Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, who was later convicted of genocide by an international tribunal in The Hague. However, Limonov’s visit was as an admirer of Karadzic and not part of any paid “safari”.
Despite these allegations, some remain skeptical. Members of British forces who served in Sarajevo during the 1990s have stated that they never encountered any evidence of “sniper tourism” during the Bosnian conflict. They suggest that logistical difficulties, including numerous checkpoints, would have made it challenging to bring individuals from third countries into the area to shoot at civilians. One soldier described the allegations as an “urban myth,” highlighting the doubts surrounding the claims. Italian prosecutors and police are reportedly compiling a list of witnesses as they work to determine who might have been involved.
Potential Implications of the Investigation
The ongoing investigation into the allegations that Italy investigates claim that tourists paid to go to Bosnia carries significant weight. If the claims are substantiated, it could lead to the prosecution of individuals involved in these alleged “sniper safaris.” The investigation could also shed light on the extent of foreign involvement in the Bosnian War and the motivations behind these alleged acts. Furthermore, the investigation could prompt renewed efforts to address unresolved issues related to the conflict and to ensure accountability for those responsible for war crimes.
The investigation may face challenges due to the passage of time and the difficulties in gathering evidence from a conflict zone. However, the commitment of Italian prosecutors to thoroughly investigate the allegations demonstrates the importance of pursuing justice for the victims of the Bosnian War. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching consequences, both for the individuals involved and for the broader effort to address war crimes and promote reconciliation in the region. Whether the claims are proven true or ultimately dismissed, the investigation serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of human rights abuses and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
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Sources: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
Note: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
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