Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Italian Probe into Alleged 'Sniper Tourist' Killings During Sarajevo Siege
Imagine during a war a long time ago in a city called Sarajevo, some people from Italy and other places allegedly paid money to soldiers.
They supposedly paid so they could shoot and kill people who were just living in the city, like a dangerous game.
Prosecutors in Italy are now looking into these serious claims to see if they are true.
The people who made the complaint say these visitors were like 'tourists' looking for a thrill by hunting people, and that different prices were set for shooting men, women, or children.
They are investigating to find out what really happened during that difficult time.
Milanese prosecutors are investigating claims that Italian citizens paid to shoot civilians in Sarajevo during the 1990s war.
Allegations describe these individuals as 'sniper tourists' who paid large sums for the opportunity to kill defenseless civilians from Serb positions.
The investigation was initiated by a complaint from journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni.
Reports suggest different prices were charged for killing men, women, or children.
The alleged practice is referred to as 'manhunt' and 'sniper safaris'.
- Who
- Milanese prosecutors; Italian citizens and others (allegedly); journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni (filed complaint)
- What
- Investigation into claims that Italian citizens and others traveled to Bosnia-Herzegovina during the war to pay large sums to shoot civilians in besieged Sarajevo, described as 'sniper safaris'.
- When
- Early 1990s, during the war and the Siege of Sarajevo. The investigation was recently opened.
- Where
- Alleged shootings occurred in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina; the investigation is based in Milan, Italy.
- Why
- To investigate allegations of wealthy individuals paying for the opportunity to kill defenseless civilians for sport.
Allegations of 'Sniper Tourists'
Denials and Counterclaims
Foreigners Shooting Civilians for Sport
Allegations of 'Sniper Tourists'
Journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni alleges that very wealthy individuals paid to kill defenseless civilians from Serb positions around Sarajevo during the war in the early 1990s. This practice is described as a "manhunt" and "sniper safaris." Reports suggest different rates were charged for killing men, women, or children.
Denials and Counterclaims
While this specific article does not contain direct denials, the existence of opposing viewpoints suggests that these claims have been disputed.
- Investigation Location
- Milan, Italy
- Alleged Activity
- Italians and others allegedly paid large sums to shoot at civilians in Sarajevo during the war.
- Time Period of Alleged Activity
- Early 1990s, during the war and the Siege of Sarajevo.
- Alleged Perpetrators
- Italian citizens and others, referred to as 'sniper tourists'.
- Alleged Facilitators
- Serb positions around Sarajevo.
- Accusation Basis
- Complaint filed by journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni.
