Italian Prosecutors Probe “Human Safari” Claims in Sarajevo Siege
Wealthy Europeans and Americans are accused of paying huge sums to the Bosnian Serb army to shoot civilians during the 1992–1996 siege of Sarajevo — the longest of any capital city in modern history, which left over 11,000 dead and 56,000 wounded.
Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation after journalist Ezio Gavazzeni filed a 17-page complaint alleging that “very wealthy people” traveled to Sarajevo to kill civilians for sport, paying up to €100,000. Victims allegedly had “prices”: children cost the most, elderly victims could be shot for free.
The accused “sniper tourists” reportedly came from across Western Europe, Russia, and the U.S., aided by Bosnian Serb forces under Radovan Karadžić. A 2022 documentary, Sarajevo Safari, also reported similar claims.
Milan’s Carabinieri police, focused on terrorism and organized crime, are helping identify suspects. Bosnia has pledged full cooperation.
Some former British soldiers have dismissed the stories as “urban myths,” citing logistical difficulties, but survivors and investigators say the evidence merits serious inquiry.
“We must uncover the truth about such cruelty,” said Bosnian Consul in Milan Dag Dumrukcic.