Investigation Launched into Allegations of ‘Sniper Tourism’ in Sarajevo

Allegations have emerged of British nationals participating in what has been termed ‘sniper tourism’ during the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. Reports indicate that these individuals traveled to Bosnia, spending significant amounts of money to engage in shooting civilians amid the conflict. More than three decades after the siege, which resulted in nearly 14,000 deaths, an investigation has been initiated by prosecutors in Milan, focusing on Italian tourists accused of paying around £70,000 to join this disturbing activity.

The claims, which are based on witness accounts collected by journalist Ezio Gavazzeni, suggest that nationals from several countries, including the UK, Italy, Germany, and the United States, were involved. Gavazzeni described these individuals as wealthy clients who sought to kill civilians—men, women, and children—for sport while positioned in the hills surrounding the Bosnian capital.

In an interview with El Mundo, Gavazzeni expressed his surprise at the lack of investigation into these activities over the years. He stated, “I was surprised when rumors circulated about what was happening in Sarajevo without anyone investigating it further.” His hope is that this new inquiry will spur more scrutiny and lead to further legal actions against those involved in these alleged crimes.

Details of the Allegations

According to Gavazzeni, the lack of action in response to these allegations over the past three decades raises significant questions. He remarked, “Why did no country ever open an investigation? Perhaps because they are powerful, wealthy, and socially influential people.” The journalist has been proactive in initiating legal proceedings in a Western country, a move he believes could prompt other nations to follow suit.

The investigation into the Italian tourists has yet to identify specific suspects, but Gavazzeni claims to have communicated with various individuals, including a member of the Bosnian secret service, who discussed the activities of these so-called ‘sniper tourists.’ He emphasized that this phenomenon was devoid of any political or religious motivations, characterizing the participants as individuals seeking enjoyment and personal satisfaction. “We are talking about people who love guns who perhaps go to shooting ranges or on safari in Africa,” he noted.

Gavazzeni also revealed that these tourists would gather in the northern Italian city of Trieste before traveling to Belgrade, where they would be escorted by Bosnian-Serb soldiers to the hills overlooking Sarajevo. Additional fees were purportedly paid to enable them to use sniper rifles to target civilians.

Historical Context and Consequences

The siege of Sarajevo is recognized as one of the longest in modern history, lasting from 1992 to 1996. It resulted in immense suffering, leaving 5,434 civilians among the 13,952 deaths reported. The siege was characterized by widespread violence and human rights violations, leading to the eventual conviction of key figures for war crimes.

Notably, former Bosnian Serb political leader Radovan Karadzic and the commander of the Bosnian Serb Army’s Sarajevo-Romanija Corps, Stanislav Galic, were both sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the atrocities associated with the siege. Karadzic is currently serving his sentence in the UK, while Galic is imprisoned in Germany.

As the investigation unfolds, many are left to ponder the implications of these allegations and the broader context of the conflict. The revelations of ‘sniper tourism’ serve as a stark reminder of the grim realities faced by civilians during the Bosnian War and raise important questions about accountability and justice.

The siege has left a lasting impact on the region, contributing to a complex legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about war, violence, and humanitarian crises.