Italian Authorities Probe Nationals for Alleged Bosnia War Sniper Tourism
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Foreigners allegedly paid Bosnian Serb forces large sums during the 1992-1995 siege of Sarajevo to fire sniper rifles at civilians from surrounding hills. These arrangements, termed “sniper safaris,” treated human targets like game animals on a hunt. Italian prosecutors are now investigating claims that several Italian nationals joined these activities as paying participants.
The probe targets three men from Turin, Milan, and Trieste. One suspect, an 80-year-old former truck driver living near Pordenone in northern Italy, faces multiple counts of premeditated murder. He remains free but must appear for questioning on February 9.
Investigators are determining whether the suspect fired shots directly or aided logistics, such as transporting participants. Meetings reportedly occurred in Trieste, followed by travel through Belgrade to Bosnian Serb-controlled areas. Soldiers then escorted the visitors to elevated sniper positions overlooking the city.
Fees reached up to 100,000 euros in equivalent value. A reported price structure charged the highest amounts for targeting children. Men and women cost less, while elderly civilians could be shot without additional payment.
The investigation opened in November 2025 after a complaint filed by journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni. His action drew from the 2022 documentary “Sarajevo Safari” by Slovenian director Miran Zupanic. The film alleged organized trips for wealthy foreigners seeking to shoot civilians during the siege.
Participants included individuals from Italy, the United States, and Russia. A 2007 testimony before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia referenced “tourist shooters” operating in the area. Serbian officials have denied any state involvement in such schemes.
Approximately 11,000 civilians died in Sarajevo from sniper fire and shelling over the nearly four-year siege. Survivors of the Bosnia war have expressed cautious hope that the Italian inquiry may lead to accountability for these alleged acts. The case marks the first identification of specific individuals in this long-dormant line of investigation.
