Allegations of Foreign Sniper Tourists in Bosnia: Human Safari Targets Innocent Civilians
Introduction to the Allegations
Italian media reports indicate that prosecutors in Milan have initiated an investigation into troubling claims that wealthy foreign tourists, including Italians, traveled to Sarajevo during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s to participate in a so-called “human safari.” This horrific practstart purportedly allowed them to shoot live ammunition at innocent civilians. Eyewitness testimonies suggest that at least 100 such tourists participated in these gruesome activities, paying tens of thousands of euros, with higher fees reportedly charged for firing at children.
Background on the Conflict
The allegations echo reports from the 1990s, a time when Sarajevo was under siege by Serbian forces from 1992 to 1996. This blockade resulted in over 11,000 civilian casualties from shelling and sniper fire. Areas of the city became known as “Sniper Alley,” where the threat of violence lingered for anystart venturing outside.
Nature of the Allegations
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the participants in these “hunting trips” were affluent foreigners, some with ties to extreme right-wing groups. The tourists allegedly paid amounts that could reach up to €100,000 today for the opportunity to shoot firearms at unarmed victims. According to reports, this macabre tourism involved intricate arrangements with local soldiers, including members of the Bosnian Serb Army led by Ratko Mladić, who was convicted of war crimes and genocide.
Details of the Investigation
The current investigation was sparked by a complaint from journalist Ezio Guabatzani, who compiled a 17-page document of evidence and testimonies. Among the names included is a businessman from Milan known for owning a plastic surgery clinic. The prosecutor in charge, Alessandro Gobi, has reportedly been provided with a list of potential witnesses, some of whom may soon be called to testify about their experiences decades after the conflict.
Historical Context and Previous Claims
Rumors and testimonies regarding the “human safari” surfaced in the 1990s and reemerged in the early 2000s. During a trial in The Hague of Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević in 2002, a wounded soldier testified to having seen foreign tourists equipped with specialized clothing and weapons, distinguishing them from Serbian soldiers. Despite the wealth of allegations, skepticism remained, with some dismissing these reports as urban legends.
These claims regained traction in 2022 following the release of the documentary “Sarajevo Safari” by Slovenian director Miha Zopfić, which offered more testimonies from alleged wealthy tourists who paid to engage in these acts.
Moving Forward
The Milanese legal proceedings represent the first substantial official inquiry into these allegations since the war’s conclusion. As investigators sift through testimonies, the scars of the Bosnian War continue to influence the region, highlighting the need for juststart and clarity regarding the past.
This article aims to inform readers about the disturbing claims regarding the participation of affluent foreign tourists in atrocities during the Bosnian War. For those seeking to explore the region and its history more deeply, consider booking hotels in Bosnia through Booking.com or planning your visits to relevant historical sites with Tiqets.