The Milan Attorney General’s Office has initiated an investigation into a disturbing case reminiscent of Sarajevo’s notorious Sniper Alley during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1996. This investigation comes to light following reports that some Italian nationals allegedly traveled to Sarajevo on weekends to engage in illegal shooting activities reminiscent of a hunting trip, targeting innocent civilians.
The inquiry concerns charges of intentional homicide aggravated by cruelty and vile motives. According to Italian media, individuals with affiliations to far-right groups and a passion for firearms reportedly paid significant sums, ranging from €80,000 to €100,000, to participate in these savage acts. It was revealed that the shooting of children was priced even higher. The complaint cites multiple individuals, including a businessman from Milan who operates a private cosmetic surgery clinic, as well as residents from Turin and Trieste, as part of this sordid affair.
Ezio Gavazzeni, a writer and journalist who filed a comprehensive 17-page complaint, has been supported in his pursuit by former magistrate Guido Salvini and Benjamina Karic, the mayor of Sarajevo from 2021 to 2024. They have compiled evidence pointing to the disturbing rumors that have circulated for years, which were also highlighted in the 2023 documentary “Sarajevo Safari” by Slovenian filmmaker Miran Zupanic. This documentary provided firsthand testimonies indicating that affluent foreigners had indeed engaged in the appalling practice of shooting unarmed civilians in Sarajevo.
Gavazzeni has pointed out the challenges faced by the Bosnian Attorney General’s Office, which previously shelved an investigation due to the complexities of addressing such a case in a nation still reverberating from the scars of conflict. He also criticized Serbian courts, claiming they have dismissed these serious allegations as mere “urban legends.” This prompted him to push for investigation in Italy, emphasizing the gravity of the situation involving people of affluence who returned to their normal lives after committing heinous acts.
Prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis is poised to call several witnesses to provide testimony in this case, with Gavazzeni estimating that the number of individuals involved could reach around 100. Among potential witnesses is a Bosnian intelligence agent who indicated that Italian intelligence might have been aware of these activities as far back as 1993, suggesting the existence of classified files related to the events.
The investigation has also gained the support of the Bosnian consul in Milan, Dag Dumrukcic, who expressed the commitment of his government to assist in uncovering the truth about these grave allegations. He emphasized the need to confront the past and restore justice for the victims.
This investigation not only hopes to shed light on a horrific chapter of history but also serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for accountability and justice in the face of war crimes. By pursuing this inquiry, authorities are not only seeking justice for the victims of the Sarajevo siege but also for humanity as a whole.