Key Developments
Details of the Alleged “Sniper Safaris”
Challenges and Skepticism Surrounding the Claims
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Implications
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Italy investigates claims of tourists paying to shoot civilians in Bosnia during the 1990s war. The public prosecutor’s office in Milan has launched an investigation into these allegations, which center around “sniper safaris” where individuals allegedly paid large sums of money to shoot at civilians in the besieged city of Sarajevo. These claims, if proven true, would represent a grave violation of human rights and international law.
The investigation in Milan was initiated following a complaint filed by journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni. Gavazzeni’s complaint details a “manhunt” allegedly orchestrated by wealthy individuals with a fascination for weapons. These individuals purportedly paid to kill defenseless civilians from Serb positions in the hills surrounding Sarajevo. Some reports suggest that different rates were charged based on the victim’s demographic, with men, women, and children carrying different price tags. The evidence gathered by Gavazzeni, which includes testimony from a Bosnian military intelligence officer, is currently being examined by Italian counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis. The charge under consideration is murder, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes.
The Bosnian officer’s testimony suggests that Bosnian colleagues became aware of these “safaris” in late 1993 and subsequently informed Italy’s Sismi military intelligence in early 1994. According to the Ansa news agency, Sismi responded a couple of months later, confirming that tourists participating in these “safaris” would fly from Trieste, a city near Italy’s northern border, and then travel to the hills overlooking Sarajevo. The officer was reportedly told that the trips had been stopped. Italy investigates claims of tourists paying to shoot, and this investigation aims to uncover the truth behind these purported events. Ezio Gavazzeni, who typically covers terrorism and the mafia, first encountered the story of sniper tours to Sarajevo three decades ago in an Italian newspaper report, but it lacked concrete evidence. The 2022 documentary film “Sarajevo Safari” by Slovenian director Miran Zupanic, which alleges the involvement of individuals from various countries, including Italy, the US, and Russia, reignited his interest in the topic.
While Italy investigates claims of tourists paying to shoot, significant challenges exist in verifying these allegations. An investigation in Bosnia itself appears to have stalled. Furthermore, members of the British forces who served in Sarajevo during the 1990s have stated that they were unaware of any “sniper tourism” during the conflict. They suggest that organizing such activities, involving the transportation of foreign individuals through numerous checkpoints, would have been logistically difficult. One soldier even described the allegations as an “urban myth.” However, Gavazzeni alleges that “many” individuals, potentially “at least a hundred,” participated in these activities, with Italians paying substantial sums, possibly up to €100,000 in today’s terms.
Italian prosecutors and police are reportedly compiling a list of potential witnesses as they seek to determine the identities of those who may have been involved. The investigation stems from allegations surrounding the brutal four-year siege of Sarajevo, during which more than 11,000 people lost their lives. The city was surrounded by Serb forces and subjected to constant shelling and sniper fire, creating an environment of extreme danger and hardship for its residents. Italy investigates claims of tourists paying to shoot, and the outcome of this investigation could have significant legal and diplomatic ramifications. If the allegations are substantiated, those found responsible could face charges of murder and other war crimes. The investigation also raises broader questions about accountability for atrocities committed during the Bosnian War and the role of foreign nationals in the conflict.
The investigation into claims of tourists paying to shoot civilians in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War is a complex and sensitive matter. While the allegations are serious and warrant thorough investigation, skepticism remains regarding the feasibility and veracity of the purported “sniper safaris.” The Italian authorities face the challenge of gathering credible evidence and overcoming logistical hurdles in order to determine the truth behind these disturbing claims.
Note: Information based on credible sources and industry analysis.
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