Story perspectives

Investigation Launched into Alleged 'Sniper Safaris' in Bosnia

11/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

Italian prosecutors are examining alleged 'sniper safaris' during the Bosnian War, prompted by a legal complaint from journalist Ezio Gavazzeni and a report by former Sarajevo mayor Benjamina Karic.
Gavazzeni says participants joined trips organized with Serbian militias, gathering in Trieste before being flown to Sarajevo.
Testimonies indicate Italian intelligence was aware of the activities and did not act.
Survivors hope the investigation yields accountability for siege atrocities.

History

Historical Context

The Bosnian War, which erupted in 1992, was marked by severe atrocities, including systematic rape as a weapon of war, primarily by Bosnian Serb forces. This conflict, characterized by ethnic cleansing, saw the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia established in 1993 to address war crimes. The Srebrenica massacre in July 1995, where over 8,000 Bosniaks were killed, is recognized as genocide, highlighting the urgent need for accountability.

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Story summary

Italian prosecutors are examining alleged 'sniper safaris' during the Bosnian War, prompted by a legal complaint from journalist Ezio Gavazzeni and a report by former Sarajevo mayor Benjamina Karic.
Gavazzeni says participants joined trips organized with Serbian militias, gathering in Trieste before being flown to Sarajevo.
Testimonies indicate Italian intelligence was aware of the activities and did not act.
Survivors hope the investigation yields accountability for siege atrocities.

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