Italian authorities investigate suspect linked to sniper tourism in Bosnia

Italian Prosecutors Investigate Alleged “Sniper Tourism” in Sarajevo

An 80-year-old former truck driver from northern Italy has been identified as a suspect in an investigation into alleged “sniper tourism” in Sarajevo during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia. The Italian authorities launched the probe last year, following allegations that foreigners, including nationals from Italy, had paid large sums of money to shoot at civilians during the siege of Sarajevo.

According to sources, the suspect faces charges related to premeditated murder, although it is unclear whether he directly carried out killings or assisted with logistics for clients. The man remains free and has been summoned by prosecutors for questioning on February 9.

The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed by local journalist Ezio Gavazzeni, who claimed that Italians and other foreigners had paid members of Bosnian Serb forces to participate in the shooting of civilians in Sarajevo. The allegations were inspired by a documentary titled “Sarajevo Safari” by Slovenian director Miran Zupanic.

It is estimated that 11,000 civilians were killed during the war, with shelling and sniper fire from Bosnian Serb army positions on hills around Sarajevo city being a major contributor to the death toll. The investigation has also implicated citizens of the United States and Russia in the alleged scheme.

The Italian authorities have confirmed that three men from Turin, Milan, and Trieste are currently under investigation, with some reportedly paying up to 100,000 euros ($116,000) for their participation. Serbia has denied any involvement in the alleged scheme, but investigators believe that Serbian intelligence services were aware of the tourist trips.

Source: Al Jazeera