A chilling investigation has begun in Milan, uncovering allegations of a horrific practice during the 1992-1995 siege of Sarajevo. Wealthy individuals from Western nations are accused of paying exorbitant sums for the opportunity to participate in what can only be described as “sniper safaris.”
The claims are deeply disturbing: these individuals allegedly paid Bosnian Serb forces to deliberately target and shoot at civilians, including innocent women and children, simply for their own twisted amusement. The price for this macabre “entertainment” reportedly reached as high as €80,000 – approximately $90,000 – per person.
The investigation was triggered by a detailed complaint filed by Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni. His research suggests that groups of affluent foreigners traveled to the war-torn city, not as observers, but as active participants in violence, seeking a dark thrill amidst the suffering.
Gavazzeni’s report details an even more sickening element: an additional fee was allegedly demanded for the chance to shoot at children. This revelation underscores the unimaginable depravity at the heart of these accusations.
The alleged atrocities centered around “Sniper Alley,” Sarajevo’s infamous main boulevard, transformed into a killing field by Bosnian Serb snipers. The siege itself claimed over 11,000 lives within the city, a staggering number that included more than 1,500 children.
Gavazzeni paints a disturbing picture of the participants, characterizing them not as ideologically driven combatants, but as thrill-seekers. He compares their motivations to those of gun enthusiasts or individuals who pursue big-game hunting on African safaris – a chilling parallel.
Crucially, evidence supporting these claims is now being examined by Italian counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis. This includes testimony from a Bosnian military intelligence officer who reportedly uncovered the “safaris” in late 1993.
According to this officer, Bosnian intelligence shared the information with Italy’s Sismi military intelligence in early 1994. A response followed, leading to the disruption of the trips, with reports indicating that “safari” tourists were flying from Trieste, Italy, to the hills overlooking Sarajevo.
The officer was allegedly informed that the practice had been stopped, and within months, the trips ceased. While similar allegations have surfaced previously, Gavazzeni’s detailed report and the corroborating testimony provide a new level of scrutiny.
Gavazzeni’s pursuit of this story was reignited by a 2022 documentary on the Bosnian War, prompting him to delve deeper into the initial reports he encountered in the 1990s. He is working with legal experts specializing in international law to bolster the investigation.
The Bosnian Consulate in Milan has pledged full cooperation, expressing a desire to uncover the truth and finally close this dark chapter of history. A spokesperson indicated they possess information that will be shared with investigators, signaling a commitment to justice.
