Sarajevo 'Sniper Safari' Investigation Goes Global

Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni has investigated a disturbing event called 'Sarajevo safari.' During the siege of Sarajevo, wealthy individuals reportedly paid to shoot at civilians for entertainment. Gavazzeni first learned about this in the 1990s from Italian newspapers, though it seemed like an urban legend at the time.

A significant breakthrough occurred in 2023. Gavazzeni discovered filmmaker Miran Zupanič's documentary, also titled 'Sarajevo safari.' Gavazzeni contacted Zupanič, gaining access to the film, which is now widely available. Following the film, Gavazzeni connected with Edin Subašić, a witness from the documentary, which guided his investigation in a new direction.

Key testimonies helped launch a criminal proceeding. The Milan prosecutor's office recently initiated these proceedings. Evidence showed that Italian secret services knew about these 'human safaris' in 1993. Italian diplomat Michael Giffoni, who was in Sarajevo during 1993-1994, confirmed this to prosecutors. The secret services had even stopped five 'hunters' near Sarajevo in 1993 but reportedly failed to report their findings. Gavazzeni also found many witnesses, some of whom organized these safaris and profited greatly. These witnesses, including individuals referred to as 'Neimenovani' and 'Legionar,' later willingly testified in court.

Gavazzeni experienced mixed emotions during his investigation: horror at the discoveries and excitement at finding concrete evidence beyond urban legends. He noted the bravery of his sources, who chose to testify publicly, strengthening their accounts.

The case has garnered international attention, leading to parliamentary questions in Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, and Belgium. The investigation is now expanding to Austria, with an Austrian and a German citizen under scrutiny. Gavazzeni urged authorities in these countries to investigate further. The individuals who paid to shoot civilians reportedly came from Western European countries like Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain, and France.

Recent parliamentary questions have been raised in Italy, Germany, and Austria, and investigations are progressing in Switzerland and France. The Milan prosecutor's office confirmed an upcoming Eurojust meeting in The Hague. Prosecutors from Italy, Bosnia, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium will coordinate the investigation there. Gavazzeni views this as crucial for expanding the probe beyond Italian borders and validating information from external sources. He has offered his information to Swiss and Belgian authorities.

Gavazzeni commends the Italian prosecutor's office. A vital development is that the City of Sarajevo officially joined the criminal proceeding on April 21 of this year, appointing lawyers to represent its interests. This step underscores Sarajevo's commitment to uncovering the truth. Gavazzeni hopes this case will spark a wider reaction across Europe, with his book being translated into nine languages, potentially leading to more criminal proceedings on this serious topic.